* NOTE: The content of this webpage is intended to provide tentative information as to what one may expect if a Public Health Emergency, including a high severity pandemic flu is declared. In the event there are changes to this plan we will do our best to keep our website updated. 

 Pandemic Influenza is a unique public health emergency. For this reason, the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) has developed a response plan. The KDOC is currently in the education and preparation phase of pandemic planning. Below is information about KDOC services and functions that may be effected if a high severity pandemic flu occurs.  These actions would be implemented based on information provided by the CDC, KDHE, and/or KDOC’s assessment of events.

 As conditions warrant, the following actions are among those that may be implemented during a pandemic flu outbreak:

 Declaration of a Pandemic

Office of Victim Services (OVS) and KDOC staff shall continue to report to assigned work stations, as health allows, to carry out essential services.

 Office of Victim Services:

• The Office of Victim Services toll free number will remain in service 1-866-404-6732.
• OVS staff will continue responding to phone calls.
• Safety planning will continue to be offered.
• Victims of crime registered with OVS will continue to receive:

§         Notification 30 days in advance of an offender’s release from a correctional facility

§         Notification 30 days in advance of an offender’s sentence discharge

§         Absconder & apprehension notification

§         Escape & return to custody notification

 Parole/Post Release Supervision:

• Offenders on parole/post release supervision shall be required to report by phone and/or mail.
• Parole Officers will continue to investigate violations and respond to phone calls.

 Correctional Facilities:

• Correctional facilities will restrict offender movement and shall be placed on lock down.
• Only lawful releases will occur.  
• All new admissions and transfers to correctional facilities shall be stopped.
• Visitation will be suspended.
• No offender movement in or out of the facility shall be allowed without the Warden’s approval.

  Declaration of a State of Emergency

KDOC offices will be required to close. Parole and Victim Services staff shall continue to provide essential services from remote locations. Correctional facilities shall remain on lock down.

 Response time to phone calls during a Declaration of a Pandemic and a Declaration of a State of Emergency will vary.

 In an emergency call 911.

 It is possible phone notification may be the primary notification method used during a Declaration of a Pandemic or State of Emergency.

 Please update your phone number with our office by calling 1-866-404-6732 or by emailing VictimWitness@doc.ks.gov