Richard McMichael used to see education as his right and took it for granted.
“Then, when I got in trouble, I realized what I had lost. Once I got the opportunity to take classes, I’ve treated it like the privilege it is,” he said. “I’ve kind of become obsessed with continual learning now.”
McMichael, 26, was released in March 2022 by the Kansas Department of Corrections following a 2018 conviction for drug-related offences.
Refusing to let his past define him, McMichael used the time while incarcerated to recapture the dreams he had for the future. After his conviction, he was sent to the correctional facility in Larned, Kansas.
From the very beginning, Valarie Browning, KDOC job specialist, said McMichael was unique.
“His motivation was to get his degree and do better, to prove people wrong and that he wasn’t just another troubled kid,” she said.
Browning said McMichael had a lot of family support, and he never slowed down. He would start taking a new class almost before the first class was finished.
“We don’t often see that here,” Browning noted.
McMichael was able to transfer previous college credits to an online degree program with Adams State University, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 and made the President’s List. His next goal is to obtain his CPA, then pursue a master’s degree in computer engineering and computer science.
In May 2021, McMichael relocated to the Wichita Work Release Facility, Wichita, Kansas, and in one week he said his life changed.
“Within a week I got a job,” he said. “A week literally changed the trajectory of what my future can look like.”
After a two-month stint with that employer, where he earned an outstanding employee award, he accepted an offer of a job at Koch Industries in accounting.
“I’m really thankful for this new opportunity,” McMichael said. “I wake up every day very purpose driven, thinking about what I am going to do today to get closer to my goals.”
Rick Husselman, KDOC job specialist at the Wichita Work Release Facility, said employers who are willing to hire current residents are referred to as “second chance” employers. Throughout Kansas, 42 private industries along with 16 correctional industries employ nearly 1,300 residents.
“I can remember the days when a convicted felon was automatically rejected for a job,” Husselman said.
That mind-set is changing, however, and many employers are finding skilled employees who are either currently incarcerated or newly released, ready to work and build a better future for themselves and their families.
“McMichael didn’t waste his time while he has been with us. He has worked hard, both in college and through programs provided by KDOC,” Husselman said. “He accepted help preparing for interviews, how to discuss gaps in employment history and what he is doing while incarcerated to have success once he is released.”
While it is McMichael’s drive and determination to reach his goals that set him on a better path for the future, he is quick to credit the help and support he has received during his time with KDOC.
“There are some very special individuals working at Larned,” he said. “These KDOC employees really went above and beyond. Valerie Browning at Larned guided me and helped me find all the tools to succeed. Travis Getty, among others, proctored my tests, kept me out of trouble and on the right path. They put a lot of effort into helping the people who want to succeed.”
McMichael applauds Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda for the current push to provide education opportunities for KDOC residents.
“Finishing my degree while incarcerated has given me the skills I needed to obtain gainful employment and become a tax paying, full contributing member of society,” he said.
He also believes that if Kansas City or other areas had facilities like the one in Wichita, “you would see more guys get jobs and succeed.”
“In my opinion, the Wichita Work Release Facility has to be one of the preeminent reentry programs in the country,” he said. “The KDOC staff provide great support, assisting with job search resources, resume assistance, and many other transitional planning tools for assimilation back into society.”
McMichael said the staff recognizes that empowering the residents to reach their full potential reduces recidivism.
“It also reunites families, increases public safety, and reduces the tax burden for all taxpayers,” he said.
With a new job at Koch Industries, and his release from prison in March 2022, McMichael is setting his sights on graduate school and a brighter future.
]]>Each card in the deck includes brief information about an unsolved crime along with a phone number for anyone with information to call: 1-800-KS-CRIME. These cards highlight case details in the hope that a person or persons familiar with a case will come forward with information leading to its resolution. The Cold Case Playing Cards will replace current decks of standard playing cards available in prisons and county jails. Decks will be placed in dayrooms and other common areas, and available through the commissary for purchase by KDOC residents.
“Our agency and our state’s criminal justice community have a commitment to the victims of crimes,” said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda. “Our staff members see the unresolved pain experienced by the many families we work with. Hearing the responses from surviving family members when notified that their loved one’s case has been selected for the deck has been powerful and humbling. These families have waited a long time for answers, and this brings some hope.”
“Every call or tip that is shared with law enforcement will be vetted by investigators assigned to the case,” said KBI Director Kirk Thompson. “No matter how small, each tip has the potential of being the missing piece of information needed to finally provide justice to crime victims and their families.”
Other states have solved multiple cold case homicides, missing person cases and suspicious deaths by making these cards available.
“Not every tip received leads to resolution of a case, but someone usually knows something,” Secretary Zmuda said. “Within Kansas correctional facilities and jails, we have segments of our population who want to do something good, perhaps atone for past mistakes, and they may have information about unsolved cases. Our hope is that we receive actionable intelligence that leads to solving cases.”
Development of the project began March 2021 and included law enforcement partners, representatives from victim services, facility-based programs, private industry, media and families whose lives have been impacted by homicide. Through a submissions process that began in December 2021, local law enforcement from across Kansas provided 81 cases to be highlighted. A selection committee with representatives from KDOC, KBI, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office and local law enforcement prioritized 59 cases to highlight on the first deck of 52 cards.
The oldest case is from 1976 and the most recent case is from 2020. Unsolved homicide cases are from Cherokee, Dickinson, Doniphan, Finney, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Johnson, Leavenworth, Mitchell, Montgomery, Osage, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte counties. Missing person cases are from Leavenworth, Lincoln, Pottawatomie, Saline and Sedgwick counties. The unidentified remains case is from Geary County.
“For many of these cases even after years of investigative work has occurred, questions still remain that need answers before a perpetrator can be held accountable,” Director Thompson said. “It’s our hope that by distributing this deck more attention is drawn to these cases, and that someone comes forward with details that will move us one step closer to providing justice.”
To learn more, see https://www.doc.ks.gov/victim-services/cold-case-playing-cards
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]]>As a Second Chance Pell site, Butler Community College will offer Construction Technology, Workforce Development and Business Administration associate’s degrees, with credentials and hours that can apply to areas such as Masonry, and Hotel and Restaurant Management.
Cowley Community College will offer programs in Electromechanical Maintenance, Carpentry/Construction Trades, Welding Technology, and Software, Security and Development, along with credentials and hours that can apply to certifications related to each of these programs.
"We expect to reach about 255 more KDOC residents in three years through these programs, with about 200 completing a full associate's degree," said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda.
Colleges that partner with KDOC on these programs and many other programs are integral to the KDOC Pathway for Success, the department's strategic plan.
"We appreciate their willingness to step forward and become part of our mission, and their plans to expand access to market-relevant programs for our residents." he said.
]]>The recognition was expanded to include all employees serving in corrections when the name was changed in 1996. In addition, in 1985, Public Service Recognition Week was established, and is also celebrated the first full week in May of each year.
Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda commended staff on their commitment and dedication.
“Within KDOC, the work you do is difficult, demanding and for many of you, carries an element of risk that many other public servants are not exposed to, particularly for those who work directly with our residents and others under our authority,” Zmuda said in a special message to staff.
“During these very difficult last two years, the global pandemic brought about personal and professional strain that none of us could have prepared for. Circumstances then compounded that stress with severe staffing shortages, yet again increasing the demands placed upon you. And yet, you have demonstrated time and time again that you are up to the challenge,” Zmuda noted.
Throughout this week, each facility has planned special activities and recognitions for staff. Pictures showing these and other events can be found on KDOC and facility Facebook pages.
“Our work goes far beyond keeping order in the facilities, making sure someone on parole is doing what they are supposed to be doing, solving operational issues, or processing bills and taking care of myriad details required to accomplish our mission,” Zmuda said.
“We have the responsibility of meeting each individual where they are – today – and helping them see beyond their current circumstances to better days. It truly takes each and every one of us satisfying our role to make sure we provide a safe and secure environment that is focused on rehabilitation, healing and safety in Kansas communities,” he said.
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KDOC will be lifting many of the restrictions placed on in-person visitation. The change will take effect May 13, 2022 for Winfield Correctional Facility, and all other correctional facilities on May 14, 2022.
Visitors, residents and staff in the visitation areas will no longer be required to wear masks. A passive screening process will be used, asking visitors and residents a series of questions about COVID-19 symptoms or contact with anyone within the last 14 days being suspected of having the coronavirus, and temperatures will no longer be taken. Appropriate physical contact will be allowed, and plexiglass barriers will no longer be used.
"Family and friends are a critical part of each resident’s support network," said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda, "and I know these past two years, particularly when all in-person visitation was closed, were enormously difficult for everyone involved.
Zmuda noted that there is always the possibility that adjustments will need to be made as KDOC continues to monitor the impact the pandemic has on congregate living situations such as those that exist in our facilities.
"But for now this is welcome news indeed," he said.
More information can be found here: Visitation In-Person — (ks.gov)
]]>Kansas PRB Chair Jonathan Ogletree was elected as president of APAI during the organization’s meeting. Prior to his most recent APAI election, Ogletree served as the regional vice president (2017) and was later elected vice president of APAI.
Ogletree has been a member of the Kansas PRB since 2011 and was named chair in 2016. He currently serves as a member of the Kansas Sentencing Commission. He began his career at Lansing Correctional Facility as a corrections officer in 1989.
The conference included many opportunities for members to attend sessions on a variety of topics. Audrey Cress, director of KDOC Office of Victim Services, presented a session on vicarious trauma, a shift in world view that can come after being repeatedly exposed to the traumatic experience of others. Individuals who work in the corrections field can develop symptoms similar to PTSD, and the session included strategies to guard against the cumulative effect of exposure to negative information.
APAI exclusively serves parole and releasing authorities, and is a national and international resource and discussion network for the exchange of information within all areas impacting parole. Its mission is to enhance public safety and the recognition of victim rights by being involved with the development of national and international research-based parole policy.
The Kansas PRB is looking forward to hosting next year’s APAI Conference in Kansas City, MO, scheduled for April 2023
]]>KDOC offers the opportunity to earn the credits necessary for a diploma, and so far this year, at the end of the third quarter, a total of 39 KDOC residents will earn their Kansas High School diploma.
There are many staff members who assist in this important education program. Through the leadership of Lori Hamilton, Smoky Hill Education Service Center education coordinator for the KDOC project, the planning process has changed to bring about earlier identification of individuals who are near the credits needed to earn their high school diploma. Additional focus is also being placed on providing services for those who might need special education or Title I support.
Hamilton was recently honored (pictured at left with Holly Chavez, facilities services administrator for Topeka Correctional Facility) for her work with exceptional learners throughout KDOC.
Hamilton has also been invited to provide advice and guidance on a national level to the Correctional Education Association’s State Council of Directors on working with incarcerated special education populations.
“The entire team at Smoky Hill ESC are excellent partners for both our juvenile and adult education programs,” said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda. “The department’s strategic plan, Pathway for Success, emphasizes creating opportunities for our residents to be successful. I am excited to see how our partnership can continue to flourish into the future.”
Another path for completing a high school education is through the GED program, offered throughout KDOC facilities.
“It is never too late to obtain this goal, and KDOC has staff and mentors who help our residents along their journey,” Zmuda said.
]]>"Success upon reentry into the community depends on many things, including obtaining a job that pays a livable wage. KDOC’s strategic plan, Pathway for Success, emphasizes creating opportunities for our residents to be successful," Zmuda said.
KDOC creates these opportunities through the many programs and services provided in each of the agency's facilities.
"The really exciting thing is we continue to expand, particularly in the area of education," Zmuda said.
Through Barton County Community College, Ellsworth Correctional Facility residents have access to several educational programs, including career-technical education programs and college degree classes.
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Also receiving recognition:
"Completion of high school is the gateway to qualifying for college and career programs," Zmuda said. "It is also a requirement for most jobs. This is a huge first step to a better future, and I want to congratulate each individual who accomplished this milestone."
The celebration at Ellsworth was livestreamed and can be accessed here.
The learning celebration continued at Norton Correctional Facility, where education programs are offered through a partnership with Colby Community College.
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