By: Associated Press//August 8, 2019//
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin prison officials say they illegally released information that could reveal whether inmates are in substance-abuse treatment.
The Department of Corrections said Thursday that officials responding to an open-records request released records on June 24 that contained 1,041 inmates’ personal identification numbers and locations.
No names were released but DOC officials say someone could use the numbers and locations to learn if an inmate is at a substance-abuse center or receiving treatment. The agency says that information is “protected health information under the law.”
Only two people saw the information. They’ve since confirmed the data have been destroyed.
No one immediately responded to emails left in DOC’s media inbox asking what law was violated, who received the records and information they actually wanted.