Waupun prison goes into lockdown for searches

Visits canceled for the week

MADISON, Wis. — A Wisconsin prison has gone into what authorities are calling a routine lockdown.

Waupun Correctional Institution Warden Bill Pollard said in a statement Monday all activities at the prison, including visits, have been canceled for at least a week. Pollard said authorities have been planning the lockdown for several months so they can conduct searches for contraband such as cellphones, illegal drugs, tobacco and weapons.

He said the prison will gradually return to normal operations after the searches are complete.

Public information officials with the state Corrections Department didn’t immediately return telephone messages seeking more details.