Ellsworth Correctional Facility

A. Inmates are responsible for providing their own electronic equipment through personal funds derived from assigned work programs or funds sent in from outside sources.

A. From a management standpoint, eligible inmates are allowed to possess electronic equipment in an effort to prevent problems due to inmate idleness.

A. The following recreation/leisure time activities are available to ECF inmates: basketball, softball, volleyball, horseshoes, weight lifting, approved hobby crafts and table/board games.

1. How is recreation/leisure time equipment funded for the inmate population?

A. Recreation/leisure time equipment is provided through the Inmate Benefit Fund. The majority of the fund is comprised of proceeds from inmate canteen expenditures and telephone services.

1. What is available in the facility canteen for inmates to purchase?

A. A facility canteen is a store through which inmates are provided an opportunity to purchase allowable hygiene, snack, and property items. The canteen is managed by facility personnel within the confines of the facility.

1. Are inmates compensated when assigned to work programs?

A. Depending on skill level, inmates may earn from $ .45 to $ 1.05 per day.

1. Are inmate details available to perform work for community organizations?

A. On a priority basis, inmate details are available to assist with projects for local government and public non-profit organizations.

1. Are inmates financially responsible for housing and services they receive while incarcerated?

A. During incarceration, inmates are assessed the following fees:

• $2.00 sick call fee per visit if medical and dental services are initiated by the inmate. Funds collected assist the Department in offsetting costs associated with health care contracts.
• $1.00 monthly administrative fee for handling of inmate trust funds. Collected fees are placed in the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
• $5.35 fee for each urinalysis test having positive result is assessed upon conclusion of the disciplinary process if the inmate is found guilty. Collected fees are utilized to defray costs incurred in administering urinalysis tests.
• Inmates employed by private industry receive minimum wage and above. These inmates are responsible for paying the State of Kansas 25% of gross wages per week for room and board. In addition, their earnings are subject to the following deductions: taxes, mandatory savings, victim restitution, dependent support, and fines/court costs.
• Funds that inmates receive from sources exterior to the Kansas Department of Corrections are subject to a 10% mandatory savings withholding (after deduction of any outstanding obligations), with the proceeds to be deposited into a mandatory savings account, which will accrue interest. These funds are provided to the inmate upon release to assist them in improving their chance for a successful transition into society.

1. Are the inmate living units air conditioned?

A. The living units are not air-conditioned; however, a fresh air supply system inducts fresh air and recirculates it.

1. Do corrections officers carry weapons?

A. The only armed posts are the Master Control Center and Perimeter Patrol. At no time are weapons utilized inside the compound unless approved by the Warden in the event of an emergency situation.

1. Are inmates provided individualized private housing?

A.  All inmates at ECF are double-celled, with the exception of inmates housed in administrative and disciplinary segregation. All segregation inmates are single-celled.

1. Where are funds obtained from for renovation and maintenance of the facility's physical plant?

A.Capital improvement projects for correctional facilities are funded through a Rehabilitation and Repairs Fund maintained in our Central Office in Topeka. This fund is currently supplemented with 10% of the revenue generated by the Kansas Lottery. In addition, funds are budgeted annually for facility maintenance.

1. How much of the facility's budget is allocated to payroll?

A. Approximately 10.5 million of the facility's 12.6 million dollar budget is allocated to payroll.

1. What are ECF's current budget position allocations?

A. ECF's current budget position allocations consist of:

• 73 administrative/support staff (non-uniformed); and
• 149 security (uniformed) staff.
• In addition, 38 program (contract) staff are employed at ECF.

1. Is smoking allowed by staff and inmates?

A. No. In March 2003, the Kansas Department of Corrections became a tobacco-free environment.