MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two northern Wisconsin lawmakers are asking a federal judge to reverse his order forcing juvenile prisons to curb their use of solitary confinement, pepper spray and shackles. Republican Sen. Tom Tiffany, of Hazelhurst, and Rep. Mary Felzkowski, of Irma, wrote to U.S. District Judge James Peterson on Monday. They say his order affecting the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake prisons for juveniles in their legislative districts is not working. The letter came after a teacher there was knocked out by an inmate who was not in restraints. The lawmakers tell Peterson that his order “has emboldened some youth offenders” making it unsafe for staff. Corrections Department Secretary Jon Litscher said Thursday that he believes the prison is safe for both the inmates and staff.
