The primary responsibility of the Kansas Department of Corrections is the safety of the public, staff and residents. Residents are encouraged to report any safety concerns to corrections staff who are available 24 hours a day. If at any time a resident does not feel safe, the resident should speak with a staff person or fill out a confidential Form-9.

Friends and family who have concerns or who are told of an resident's safety concerns also are encouraged to contact the KDOC. A resident has several options to report sexual misconduct whether by another resident or staff. Residents can report sexual misconduct to any staff member, through a Form-9 or by calling the KDOC’s sexual abuse helpline by dialing #50 from any inmate phone.

All helpline calls are free, confidential and may be anonymous. Family members or friends should report in-custody sexual misconduct by calling the KDOC’s toll-free confidential line at 1-888-317-8204.

Callers to this number also may remain anonymous. 

Is protective custody available?
Protective custody is the removal of a resident from the general population to a secure cell for their personal safety. If a resident is determined to have a valid safety concern and no reasonable alternative is available, a resident can be moved into protective custody.  

How do family and friends file a complaint or voice their concerns to staff?

What about staff sexual misconduct?
The KDOC has a zero tolerance policy with regard to staff sexual misconduct and inappropriate staff/resident relationships. Staff sexual misconduct includes sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse, sexual contact, sexual assault, unlawful sexual relations and sexual harassment. It also includes conversations or correspondence that suggest or demonstrate a romantic or intimate relationship between a resident and an employee. Employees and contract personnel who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal. In addition to a zero tolerance policy with regard to staff sexual misconduct and inappropriate staff/resident relationships, K.S.A. 21-3520 prohibits “unlawful sexual relations” between staff and residents. Unlawful sexual relations includes “engaging in consensual sexual intercourse, lewd fondling or touching, or sodomy.” Unlawful sexual relations is a level 5 felony offense. 

What is segregation?
An resident can either be placed in the Segregation Unit or the Intensive Management Unit (IMU) for several reasons including: protective custody, isolation to prevent the spread of communicable disease, to prevent self-harm or mutilation, critical monitoring of potentially suicidal residents, to protect the resident population from identified predators, as part of a disciplinary sanction, or for separation of residents who have conflicts with each other. In these units, residents have tighter restrictions of movement but are still allowed such things as religious guidance and exercise periods. 

Is the KDOC compliant with standards established under the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA)?
Please review the KDOC's PREA Data section for up-to-date information.

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Inmates have access to coinless telephones at various times throughout the day during yard periods. Each living unit also has specified periods when inmates are allowed to make phone calls during the evening hours. Inmates may establish a telephone list of up to twenty individual phone numbers that they wish to call. They may add or delete numbers on this list only during their 120-day review. Inmate phones, with the exception of conversations with attorneys, are subject to monitoring.

How do I establish an account to telephone an inmate?
The process begins with the inmate who must submit a form at the correctional facility with the numbers the inmate would like to call. The inmate must submit the following information:

1. The area code and telephone number;
2. The complete name of the person to be called;
3. The complete address of the person to be called; and,
4. The relationship of the person to be called to the inmate.

Every new number must be verified and activated before the inmate is allowed to call. Numbers with missing information will not be entered into the telephone calling service computer system.

Friends and family may establish accounts by contacting the inmate telephone service provider, ICS Corrections, Inc., to establish a pre-paid account at 1-888-506-8407 or accounts may be set up online at no cost at ICS Corrections, Inc.

Inmates cannot call cell phones unless a pre-paid account is established. This may be done by the family by calling ICS at 1-888-506-8407 to set up a pre-paid collect account for their cell phone. Please call 1-888-506-8407 for other phone questions (i.e., accidental blocks, etc.,).

Chain dialing, 3-way calling, call forwarding, and/or dialing extra digits is not permitted.

Can I provide a calling card?
No. Calling cards are not part of the contract with the inmate telephone service provider.

How can I reach an inmate in an emergency?
In the event of a verifiable emergency, such as a serious illness or death in the family, you may call the facility. During regular business hours, you will be forwarded to the inmate counselor’s office where you can relay the emergency message, and the counselor will speak with the inmate. After hours or on weekends and holidays, verified emergencies will be passed on to the inmate at the earliest possible time.

How do I get my telephone number removed from an inmate’s call list?
Please contact the correctional facility where the inmate is currently housed and report that you would like your number removed. If you are receiving threatening calls from an inmate, please contact the correctional facility and report the calls.

Can I be on an inmate’s call or visiting list if I once worked for the KDOC?
Former employees, former volunteers and former contract workers cannot be added to an inmate’s phone or visiting list within two years of the severance of the individual’s relationship with a correctional facility. Approval of visits after two years is at the discretion of the Warden.

If you need additional information on the inmate telephone process including how to establish an account, please visit the Inmate Communications section and/or review Internal Management Policy and Procedure (IMPP) 10-111 Programs and Services: Inmate Access to Facility and Coinless Telephones.

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All residents may send and receive mail. Residents may receive letters, post cards, photographs and non-musical greeting cards. Please note that all letters are subject to being read and to inspection for illegal or unauthorized items.

How do I know where to address a letter?
A resident’s location can be found through the Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER) through the KDOC’s website at www.doc.ks.gov/kasper. Once you have identified the facility where the resident is housed, look up the correctional facility mailing addresse here.

How do I address a letter?
Click here to see an example of how to address a letter.

Can I send stamps to a resident?
No. Residents may not receive stamps through the mail. Stamps, envelopes and paper can be purchased through the facility’s canteen, a store through which residents are provided an opportunity to purchase allowable items.

Can I send a magazine or book?
Yes, but the items must be mailed directly from the publisher or vendor. Once the item leaves the store, you will not be able to mail it to the correctional facility. Many people find that websites, like Amazon.com, are a good way to purchase the books and have them mailed directly to the resident. If you purchase a book at a bookstore, ask the bookstore to mail it to the resident. Books may be either paperback or hard cover. Magazines and newspaper subscriptions are also an option.

However, a resident may receive printed material, including newspaper and magazine clippings, if the material is included as part of a first-class letter that does not exceed one ounce in total weight.

Each resident is allowed to have 12 books and 10 magazines in their cell. When a resident reaches the limit, the resident must remove items to allow more to be sent in. A resident can mail them home, donate the materials to charity or throw them away.

The correctional facility will review the reading materials and will censor materials that are determined to be a security threat, are of a sexually explicit nature or contain nudity. The facility will not allow role playing games or books related to those games.

The decision made by the staff of the designated facility may be appealed by a resident to the Secretary of Corrections or, at the direction of the Secretary, to the Secretary’s designee.

Can I send photographs?
Yes. Residents are allowed to keep up to 10 personal letters and 50 photographs (8X10 or smaller). Polaroid photographs are not allowed.

Why was my letter returned as containing sexually explicit content?
No resident may possess any sexually explicit materials, including drawings, paintings, writing, pictures, items and devices. The material is considered sexually explicit if the purpose of the material is sexual arousal or gratification and the material meets either of the following conditions:

1. Contains nudity or
2. Contains any display, actual or simulated, or description of sexual intercourse.

Why was my mail returned to me as censored?
When mail is censored or rejected, the sender, if known, is notified of the reason for the action and provided with an opportunity to appeal the decision.

Some common reasons why mail is withheld are:

• Does not include full name and address of sender.
• Homemade cards with stickers or other items glued to the paper.
• Laminated cards.
• Bookmarks.
• Inappropriate photographs such as:
• Photographs with nudity, guns, alcohol or gang signs.
• Correspondence between offenders.
• Correspondence through a third party.
• Sexually explicit language or other inappropriate content.
• Promotes illegal activity.

What if I don't want to have contact with an inmate?
If a resident contacts you and you do not want contact with him/her, the facility can issue an “Order to Cease Correspondence” to the resident. If you have safety concerns or are a victim of the resident, please contact the Office of Victim Services at 1-866-404-6732.

For more information about resident mail, please review Kansas Administrative Regulation (K.A.R.) 44-12-601, Inmate Writing and Other Inmate Communications or Publications. Also, Internal Management Policy and Procedure (IMPP) 12-120 Secuirty and Control: Control of Inmate Personal Property provides additional information.

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You may check a resident’s location and status on the Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER) located on the KDOC’s website. Information is updated daily, excluding weekends.

KASPER is a database which contains information about offenders sentenced to the custody of the Secretary of Corrections since 1980. KASPER contains information regarding those who are: currently incarcerated; under post-incarceration supervision; and, who have been discharged from a sentence. KASPER does not have information available about inmates sent to Kansas under the provisions of the interstate compact agreement.

The information contained in KASPER is public information under provisions of Kansas statute and is made available to the public and law enforcement in the interest of public safety. No names are removed from the database unless a conviction is removed from the public record by one of three ways: one, if the conviction is overturned by means of an appeal; two, if the conviction is expunged; or three, if an offender is granted executive clemency.

Through KASPER you can find:

• Name and KDOC Registration Number;
• Physical description (date of birth, height, weight, hair and eye color, body markings, including photograph);
• Conviction description (crime(s) of conviction, county, case number);
• Anticipated release date;
• Inmate housing location (current location and facility movements, including movement dates, location of parole office maintaining supervision);
• Custody or supervision level (Whether an offender has been released to post-incarceration supervision (parole, conditional release, post-release supervision, compact probation or parole); and,
• Institutional disciplinary record (violations for which offender was found guilty).

Please note that release dates may change and are contingent upon good time and program credit earnings and forfeitures.

Specific questions regarding an inmate’s release date should be directed to the KDOC’s sentence computation unit at (785) 296-3317 or by e-mail.

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Facilities  |  Resident Communications  | Resident Banking
PREA  |  Publications  |  Canteen 

This section is designed to answer basic questions about the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) and is prepared for informational purposes only. It serves as a general resource in understanding the rules, regulations and policies that govern Kansas state correctional facilities. Information provided here is subject to change and KDOC policies, procedures, regulations and general orders supersede the information provided here.

If you have questions that are not covered, you may contact the correctional facility directly.

CONTENTS:

1. Locating a resident
2. Custody Classification
3. Incentive Levels
4. Admission: Reception & Diagnostic Unit (RDU)
5. Resident Safety
6. Communication
7. Resident Trust Accounts
8. Contraband
9. Visiting
10. Health
11. Disciplinary & Grievance Procedures
12. General Questions
13. Out-of-State resident Information

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Special visits are those conducted outside the parameters of the established visit program.

Circumstances under which special visits may be granted include, but shall not be limited to:

• when a visitor has traveled a distance in excess of 150 miles one way

• where the inmate receives infrequent family visits, less than two per quarter year; and

• where other correctional goals or rehabilitation needs of the inmate indicate the need for special visiting privileges

All requests for special visits must be initiated 72 hours in advance by the inmate through his unit team via a Form 9. The unit team will answer the Form 9 with an approval or disapproval 24 hours prior to the scheduled visit.

The inmate's respective unit team will investigate the request, and evaluate the need for special visiting privileges.

The Inmate requesting special visiting for religious purposes and pre-marital counseling must submit a Form 9 directly to the chaplain for an approval or disapproval.

Special visits previously approved by the unit team may only be disapproved by the Warden, one of the Deputy Wardens or the shift captain.

A record of all approved and disapproved special visits will be maintained in the inmate's unit team file.

In addition to special visits, the visiting room's officer in charge may grant a courtesy visit when, in his or her judgment, the granting of said visit would be in accordance with the visiting philosophy of the Kansas Department of Corrections and Lansing Correctional Facility. Normally a visitor will have to have traveled a distance of 150 miles or more to be considered for a courtesy visit.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History | Warden
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Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) is the state’s largest and oldest correctional complex for adult male residents. At the close of 2013, LCF had a capacity of 2,405.

LCF also houses one of two centers for the KDOC’s transportation system that provides for the movement of residents among the state's correctional facilities.

As with other facilities under the management of the Secretary of Corrections, education, health services and food services are provided through contracts with private vendors.

Originally named the Kansas State Penitentiary when the facility was authorized by the Kansas Constitution in 1859, the name was legislatively changed to the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) on June 18, 1990.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | Volunteers | History | Warden
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HCF also houses one of two centers for the KDOC’s transportation system that provides for the movement of residents among the state's correctional facilities.

As with other facilities under the management of the Secretary of Corrections, education, health services and food services are provided through contracts with private vendors.

Because many of HCF's structures were constructed between 1889 and 1912, an emphasis has been placed on rehabilitating and repairing the aging structures.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History | Warden
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Dan Schnurr became the warden at Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) on June 18, 2016.

Previously, he had served as warden at Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) since June 2011. Schnurr began his career in corrections at Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) in 1985 as a corrections officer. He rose through the ranks including serving as a corrections specialist, a unit team counselor and a unit team manager. In 2008, Schnurr became HCF's classification administrator. Two years later, he was named HCF's business manager for a brief time before accepting the deputy warden position at ECF.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History | Warden
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• The education program offers a computer-based system that utilizes the “A+dvanced Learning System” for the GED program.
• The curriculum has a literacy component to improve reading and math skills. 
• Special Education is provided for students under the age of 21 and Title 1 services are provided.

Central Unit Education
Vocational programs offered are funded through a CBJT grant with Barton Community College and a cooperative effort with Hutchinson Community College. The programs are offered in HVAC, plumbing, AutoCAD, and manufacturing skills. 

East Unit Education
Vocational programs are offered in home building and construction woodworking.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History | Warden
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Mustangs on the Move

Since 2001, residents at Hutchinson Correctional Facility have aided the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in alleviating the over-population of wild horses on federal lands in the western United States. Left unchecked, the horses can multiply to the extent that the land would not sustain their numbers, resulting in starvation and other problems for these animals.

Through a cooperative agreement between the BLM and Kansas Correctional Industries (KCI), a self-supporting unit under the direction of the Kansas Department of Corrections, a dozen minimum-custody residents care and train the wild horses with the goal of making them suitable for adoption. The program also provides resident work opportunities that help residents reintegrate back into the community. With the ability to house up to 499 horses, KCI uses donated materials to train horses rounded up by the BLM. KCI also receives a per diem for housing and care of the horses. Each spring, KCI holds a horse auction with the sales benefitting the BLM to continue the program’s funding. Horses not adopted are transferred to long-term holding locations where they live out their lives. The BLM estimates approximately 14,000 wild horses will need to be relocated and held until the current crisis abates.

For more information about the program,
visit the Bureau of Land Management’s web site at:
www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the requirements for adopting a wild horse?
The potential owner must attain an approved application through the BLM. Upon approval, please contact Kansas Correctional Industries at (620) 625-7515, Monday through Friday, for more information.

How much does it cost to adopt an untrained wild horse?
Persons adopting untrained wild horses from Kansas Correctional Industries are charged a $125 fee that is forwarded to the BLM to cover administrative costs.

Can a person purchase a horse that is saddle trained?
Yes. Selected horses that have been saddle trained are available for purchase.

What is the cost of a saddle trained horse?
The current price for a saddle-trained mare or stud horse is $125.

What is considered to be a successful trained horse?

• Easy mounting and dismounting
• Knows the commands for walk, trot, lope and keeps its head and body collected
• Can turn either direction, stop and back up on command
• Can pick up all four feet
• Can load and unload in a four-horse trailer
  
  

Where do I get more information about how to adopt a trained or untrained horse from Kansas Correctional Industries (KCI)?

For more information, please contact:
Kansas Correctional Industries
(620) 625-7515
OR
Bureau of Land Management
(866) 4MUSTANGS

When are horses available for adoption?
Horses are available for adoption through Kansas Correctional Industries Monday through Friday by appointment.

Kansas Correctional Industries | Hutchinson Correctional Facility
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Education 
The KDOC contracts with Southeast Kansas Education Service Center (Greenbush) to provide educational and vocational services. 

• Barton Community College
  Provides on-site educational opportunities through a U.S. Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training (CBJT) Grant Program.
• Manufacturing Skills Certification (MSC):  The MSC course provides the student with the skills necessary to obtain entry level work on the shop floor of almost any manufacturing or construction company. The eight-hour credit course consists of five classes:  OSHA 10 Safety Course, basic shop math, blueprint reading/geometric dimensions, precision measurement and employability skills.
• Welding Certification:  The welding instruction provides the student with the skills necessary to obtain an entry-level welding job. The course covers welding for various types of metals, including oil field pipe and aluminum. The 16-hour credit course consists of six classes: OSHA 10 Safety Course, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, blueprint ready for welders and cutting processes.
• Plumbing Certification:  The plumbing instruction provides the student with the skills necessary to obtain an entry level plumbing job in either the residential or commercial areas. Training is provided utilizing numerous types of tools that will be encountered in the plumbing industry. The course allows the student hands-on experience in using PVC, copper, steel, and Pex pipe and fittings. The nine-hour credit course consists of the following classes: OSHA Safety Training, Plumbing I, Plumbing II and Shop Practicum. 
• Internet and Computing Core Certification: This two-course program provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the Certiport IC-3 certification examination. The three credit hour course includes instruction in introduction to computers and computer concepts and cpplications.  
• GED Instruction/Testing: This course provides GED instruction and preparation throughout a 40-hour workweek. 
• Work Ready Instruction/Testing: This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the Work Ready certification examination. The program includes classes in reading, locating information and mathematics.

Medical

ECF's medical services encompass many areas of resident medical needs. In addition to the 24-hour nursing care that is available, a physician is on site 20 hours per week and a dentist is on site 30 hours each week. Services include medical screenings and physical exams; dental exams and prophylaxis with treatment that include oral surgery and limited prosthetics; optometry needs for prescribing and fitting of eye wear; ancillary services for laboratory values and x-rays; referral entities for specialty needs of brace/limb prosthetics; orthopedic consultations and surgeries; neurosurgical and neurological consultations; ophthalmological consultations for general surgical conditions; general medical diagnosis and treatments; internal medicine diagnosis and treatments; and other specialty referrals subject to approval of the state medical director. The chronic care clinic currently provides services in the following areas:  pulmonary, hypertension, diabetic, cardiac, epileptic, positive HIV, TB prophylaxis, past positive TB prophylaxis and hyperthyroidism.

Mental Health
The mental health department’s overall goal is to provide services that encourage and assist the resident in making positive changes and meeting his individual needs. The mental health therapy program provides a variety of services which include mental health group counseling, intensive groups, individual counseling, psychiatric intervention, crisis intervention, psychological evaluations, activity therapy, discharge planning, tele-psychiatry to assist in the management of inmates on psychotropic drugs and on-call services. In addition, mental health professionals provide staff instruction on the assessment and management of the resident population. 

Inmate Responsibility and Accountability Model (RAM) Training
The desired result of this training is that the participants will utilize the tools in their daily life. They can also apply the tools when they are released and strengthen their ability to remain on post-release supervision. The focus is on the behavior cycle, errors in thinking, thinking reports and problem resolution techniques. The course has been re-configured as a therapeutic group and targets those who successfully completed a previous group. The group meets once a week for 24 weeks.

NON-CONTRACTED PROGRAMS

Religion
The goal and objective of chaplaincy services is to assist inmates in achieving individual spiritual growth. Services are held weekly for Catholic, protestant, Muslim, Moorish Science Temple of America, Jehovah Witness, United Tribes, Wicca, Buddhist, Assembly of Yahweh, Latter Day Saints, Judaism, Rastafarian and Asatru studies for inmates wishing to attend. A Native American Sweat Lodge ceremony is held on the third Sunday of each month and a pow wow is held quarterly. A variety of counseling services are available, including marriage, crisis, family, individual sessions and Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous.

Numerous volunteers conduct religious services, bible studies and assist with other inmate activities.

To further support this mission, a free-standing Spiritual Life Center (SLC) has been constructed at ECF. The total cumulative cost of this capital improvement funding project was approximately $361,000. This project was accomplished primarily through the efforts of volunteers and facility staff using inmate labor. Project funding came exclusively from donations received from churches, individuals, corporations and grants from private foundations.   

Reentry

• Central Kansas Reentry Program (CKRP)

CKRP primary objective is to ensure inmates have the opportunity to improve their probability of a successful return to society. The program utilizes partnerships with corrections agencies, law enforcement, victim services, mental health services, medical health providers, political and community representatives, employers and employment agencies, landlords, housing authorities and faith-based organizations. 

CKRP’s target population consists of inmates who are assessed with high risks and needs in specific areas of their lives, are releasing to the Central Kansas area within a 90-minute radius of the Ellsworth Correctional Facility and who are within 12-14 months from their scheduled release. Once assessed for needs in their high risk-to-reoffend areas, these individuals are referred to groups, classes and workshops designed around their case management plan to target their specific needs. The primary areas of focus include but are not limited to:

• Thinking for a Change – focuses on the process of acceptance of social controls, the constructs of our environment, understanding thought patterns and ramifications of actions.
• Job Readiness Training - designed to increase the likelihood of employment stability through education, career assessments, resume building, interview proficiency and networking.
• Family Transitions –  emphasizes creating positive rewards and value systems in relationships including how to avoid and handle conflicts.
• Transitional Planning – focuses on housing and reentry in the community and seeking out pro-social rewards and support systems.
• Money Matters – provides instruction on financial matters such budgeting, managing bank accounts and incorporating savings and retirement plans into a financial plan.
• Interventions – focuses on daily functioning and emotional interventions that address primary life stressors.

Pro-social supports are also a highlight of CKRP. Families attend quarterly family workshops in the community to speak with reentry and parole staff regarding release planning and community transitions.Providing community supports to individuals assures the best chance for their success. Reentry staff will continue working with the individual and their parole supervisor post-release offering services and mediation as needed until societal stability is achieved and the individual advances through the commencement process.   

Bicycle Refurbishing Program
Established in 1999, the program employs 12 inmates who repair and refurbish bicycles that are then donated to less fortunate individuals in Kansas communities and throughout the United States. The bicycle parts and materials are obtained through donations by individuals, law enforcement agencies and civic organizations.

Recreation
Inmates participate in recreational or leisure time activities depending upon their physical ability, fitness and acceptable behavior. The program targets physical and mental fitness, promotes productive leisure time, and includes intramural, social and cultural programming in addition to special events. The gym and yard are open seven days a week for inmate use. 

Community Access Network (CAN), Inc.
Implemented in 2003, this project is a not-for-profit collaborative initiative comprised of representatives from various Kansas government organizations and community partners. The purpose of CAN is to develop an online resource to promote social issues, identify available services, and provide community statistics surrounding social issues and services.

Wheels for the World 
Established in 1993, this outreach program for Joni and Friends Ministries refurbishes used wheelchairs that are distributed throughout the world. ECF’s program also manugactures universal footrests that are shipped to other distribution centers. Additionally, the program produced a new all-terrain attachment which allows individuals in various areas of the world to maneuver a wheelchair in rough terrain. The program's ECF supervisors are often called upon to lend their support in training and technical advice to setup similar programs in other states and countries. The program contracts with Personal Energy Transportation Kansas from Moundridge, Kan., to build parts for hand-cranked carts that are needed by those who lost the use of their legs due to polio, landmine injuries or amputation.  

Library
The library provides recreational, educational, legal and other information resources contributing to the development of the inmates in their physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual well-being. The library has approximately 12,000 books, receives about 30 newspapers and magazines and provides reference collection of encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories and other ready reference books. The collection is supplemented by an efficient, state-wide inter-library loan service. Inmates are provided access to all the legal documents, cases, statutes, administrative rules and case notes through the computerized LexisNexis system. The library also provides photocopying services and typewriters for inmates doing legal work. 

Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services (CARES), Inc.
Since 1999, the CARES group has worked with ECF inmates who teach puppies basic obedience and socialization skills during a three- to six-month period.Once these skills are mastered, the dogs are placed with individuals who have a variety of challenges (physical, mental or emotional). 

Work Programs
ECF’s policy is to provide inmates with a variety of meaningful work/program assignments patterned after a typical workday in the community. Assignments are designed to encourage inmates to develop desirable work habits and skills while engaging in work projects for ECF and the State of Kansas. 

An inmate employment assessment and job assignment program has been established at ECF which is utilized to ensure inmates are assigned jobs commensurate with their technical skills and to encourage inmates to possess positive behavioral characteristics. In addition, inmates are assigned to work crews to obtain on-the-job training which allows them to develop their work skills and assist them with reintegration into society.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History | Warden

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Don Langford was appointed Warden of Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) by KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda in November 2019.

Since joining the KDOC in 1989 as an Office Assistant at Hutchinson Correctional Facility, Langford has steadily risen through the ranks including serving as a Corrections Officer, Corrections Specialist, Corrections Counselor and Investigations and Intelligence Supervisor, Deputy Warden of Operations and Deputy Warden of Support Services. He was appointed to the Warden position at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility in October 2016.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History

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Wardens
Don Langford Martin J. Sauers Dan Schnurr Johnnie Goddard Sam Cline Raymond N. Roberts L.E. Bruce Robert Harrison Michael A. Nelson		2019-present 2016-2019 2011-2016 2007-2011 2003-2007 1999-2003 1992-1999 1990-1992 1987-1990

ECF Timeline
1986	The Kansas Legislature approved construction of a correctional facility to house 96 minimum-custody youthful inmates convicted of non-violent crimes.
1987	Ellsworth is selected as the location to receive the new facility that will house 252 medium-custody inmates. The facility will be called the Ellsworth Correctional Work Facility (ECWF).
	Michael A. Nelson is named ECWF’s first Warden. (Additional administrative staff was added in 1988.)
1988	The word “Work” is removed from the title of the facility.
	The first inmates were transferred to ECF to help with construction of the facility.
	The Kansas Legislature approved an expansion of the original project to provide housing for 516 multi-custody inmates.
1990	Governor Mike Hayden and KDOC Secretary Steve Davies dedicated the facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 5.
1994	For two years, the facility housed parole condition violators, conditional release violators and post-release supervision violators KDOC wanted to house separately from the general prison population.
1995	The Department of Corrections began assessing offender fees for the following:  administrative fees for management of inmate trust fund accounts ($1.00 per inmate, per month); sick call ($2.00 per inmate-initiated visit); and urinalysis testing ($5.35 per confirmed positive test).
2000	Kansas Legislature approved construction of a 100-cell maximum security unit at ECF. Due to increasing numbers of medium custody inmates in the system, the unit is currently being utilized to house medium custody inmates and facility's segregation population.
2004	ECF’s Spiritual Life Center was constructed entirely with private donations to provide religious programs to inmates.
2006	Then-Senator Sam Brownback, contemplating a presidential run in 2008, spent the night at ECF and met with inmates on May 31.
2012	In the fall, a minimum-security unit (ECF East Unit) opened in the southeast corner of Ellsworth, housing 95 inmates, increasing the total operating capacity at the ECF Central and East Units to 915.

 

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History | Warden

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Warden Tommy Williams

Tommy Williams was named the warden at El Dorado Correctional Facility in February 2022.

Williams began his career with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) in June 1984. His work assignments have included corrections officer and corrections specialist in the training department where he co-founded KDOC’s Defensive Tactics program. He has also served as an investigator for Enforcement Apprehension Investigations (EAI), corrections counselor and unit team manager.

He is an active member of the American Correctional Association and United States Deputy Wardens Association. While in Hutchinson, Williams served on the board for Sexual Assault Domestic Violence of Reno County and two terms as a commissioner for the Human Relations Commission of Hutchinson. He is an alumnus of both Leadership Reno County and Kansas Leadership Center of Wichita. Williams teaches martial arts at the American Karate and Martial Science where he has been the chief instructor and owner for over 30 years. He is a three time inductee into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History |  Warden
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