County board approves private inmate transport contract

With a 9-8 vote this morning, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors narrowly approved a proposal from Sheriff David Clarke to contract out inmate transport services within Milwaukee County.
Supervisor Patricia Jursik was among those who voted in favor of the change.
“My top priority as a Milwaukee County Supervisor is ensuring the public safety of Milwaukee County residents,” Jursik said. “Before I voted to approve this change, I received assurances from the Sheriff himself that his proposal will not endanger public safety.”
Jursik said she believes the contract will save $1 million a year in costs.
Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic voted against the contract with G4S Wackenhut Corp. to provide inmate transportation services at the County Correctional Facilities Central and South.
“I am disappointed by the vote from some of my colleagues today to contract with a for-profit company to provide transportation of criminals through our communities. Privatizing public safety services is the wrong direction, and I believe our constituents would be better served by our Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Deputies than a private company. Other privatization efforts have not gone well in Milwaukee County and have hurt our ability to deliver services. Haven’t we learned our lesson?” Dimitrijevic said.
– BizTimes Milwaukee