The state Department of Corrections is actively recruiting inmates to request transfers to the prison once billed as reserved for "the worst of the worst." A flyer posted at other state prisons touts the amenities available at the Wisconsin Secure Program Facility in Boscobel, formerly known as Supermax. Examples:
"The [general population] unit is small, only 111 bed total."
"Each cell is a single cell with its own toilet, shower and sink. No congregate showering."
"You will be allowed to take your condiments with you to meals."
"WSPF has a climate-controlled environment to keep it at a comfortable temperature year-round."
In response to some "Frequently Asked Questions," the flyer lists hobby opportunities (from beading to latch hook to weaving), recreational areas ("small and fenced in") and TV stations (sorry, no cable). The flyer (see this story at TheDailyPage.com) says the prison may be "perfect for those individuals who would prefer some time away from the larger congregate settings and are working toward a lower custody level."
Ed Garvey, who represented Supermax inmates in a class-action suit, is stunned by the flyer: "If it's not a spoof, it should be." He scoffs at the reference to climate control, saying the prison's air-conditioning, which the state fought mightily, remains inadequate: "If 84 degrees with no circulation is your idea of comfort, get thee to Boscobel."
DOC spokesman John Dipko says the flyers, meant "to answer questions and quell rumors," have been posted at maximum security institutions for several months, sparking a "fair amount of interest." Boscobel's general population facility, he says, is now at full capacity, but the flyers remain up because the population is fluid and the DOC wants to maintain a pool of inmates willing to transfer: "It's always preferable when you have inmates who volunteer."
