Custody classification is how inmates are assessed with regard to the risk they present to themselves, other inmates, staff and the community. The standard set of objective criteria includes:

• Length of minimum sentence
• Length of time remaining to serve
• Criminal behavior involved in the current offense
• Past criminal behavior
• Escape history/characteristics
• Institutional adjustment
• Behavioral characteristics (suicidal, predatory, etc.)
• Special needs (protective custody, etc.)

Also considered are such issues as inmate performance in sex offender treatment, detainers, absconding supervised release, gang involvement, pending disciplinary issues and civil commitment issues. This system was developed to promote public safety and institutional order while providing guidelines to place inmates in the least restrictive level of supervision required based upon their assessed level of risk. The KDOC has five custody levels in KDOC facilities: special management, maximum custody, high-medium custody, low-medium custody and minimum custody.

Custody Classification Level System

• Special Management

Describes an inmate who, because of either a short-term or long-term condition surrounding his/her incarceration, requires segregation from the general population. Housing within a segregation unit and highly structured movement within that unit is required. The inmate is out of his/her cell one hour out of every 24 hours, five days a week.

• Maximum Custody
  Describes an inmate who is most suitable for housing at a maximum-security facility and whose movement and activities within that facility are highly structured and closely monitored. 

• High-medium Custody
  Describes an inmate who is most suitable for housing at a medium- or maximum-security facility, except HCF-East Unit and NCF-Central Unit. The inmate is not approved for an open-dormitory environment. Within the facility assigned, activities and movements are moderately controlled and structured.
• Low-medium Custody
  Describes an inmate who is most suitable for housing at a medium- or maximum-security facility or unit. The inmate can be assigned to dormitory-style living units. Low-medium custody inmates may be allowed greater movement within the perimeter. Low-medium custody inmates may be housed at HCF-East Unit or NCF-Central Unit.
• Minimum Custody
  Describes an inmate who is appropriate for housing at any level of security, with minimum security preferred.
 

When will an inmate know his/her custody classification?
Each inmate receives a classification review:

• upon reception;
• upon admission as a condition violator;
• at regularly scheduled intervals (120 day or annuall)y following admission; and,
• as unscheduled events occur that trigger a re-classification.

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2. Laws : I shall obey all federal and state laws, municipal or county ordinances, including the Kansas Violent Offender Registration Act. If the Kansas Offender Registration Act is applicable to me, I will register with the local Sheriff's Office within 10 days of arrival in the county of residence upon moving to any other county in Kansas. Changes in residence within the same county requires written notification to the Sheriff's Office. If I am arrested for any reason, I will notify my parole officer at the earliest allowable opportunity.

3. Weapons : I will not own, possess, purchase, receive, sell or transport any firearms, ammunition or explosive device, or any device designed to expel or hurl a projectile capable of causing injury to persons or property, or any weapon prohibited by law.

4. Personal Conduct : I will not engage in assaultive activities, violence, or threats of violence of any sort.

5. Narcotics/Alcohol : I will not illegally possess, use, or traffic in any controlled substance, narcotics or other drugs as defined by law except as prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. I will not consume any mind-altering substances. I agree and consent to submit to a blood, Breathalyzer or urine test at the direction of the parole officer. At no time will I consume intoxicating liquor, including beer or wine, without written permission from my parole officer. At no time will I become intoxicated from the consumption of any substance, including, but not limited to, wine, beer, glue, or paint.

6. Association : I will not associate with persons engaged in illegal activity and will obtain written permission from the parole officer and institutional director to visit or correspond with inmates of any correctional institution.

7. Employment : I agree to secure and maintain reasonable, steady employment within 45 days of my release from prison or residential treatment unless excused for medical reasons or an extension of time is given by my parole officer. I agree to notify my employer of my current and prior (non-expunged) adult felony convictions and status as an offender.

8. Education : I agree to make progress toward or successfully complete the equivalent of a secondary education if I have not completed such by the time of my release and I am capable, as determined by my parole officer.

9. Costs : I agree to pay restitution, court costs, supervision fees, and other costs as directed by my parole officer.

10. Treatment/Counseling : I agree to comply with my relapse prevention plan and the recommendations of any treatment or counseling, or assessment program which I have completed during my incarceration or while under supervision. I agree to follow any directives given to me by my parole officer regarding evaluations, placement and/or referrals. I agree to submit to polygraph examinations as directed by my parole officer and/ or treatment provider.

11. Victim : I agree to have no contact with the victim(s) in my case(s) or the victim's family by any means including, but not limited to, in person, by phone, via computer, in writing, or through a third party without the advance permission of my parole officer.

12. Search : I agree to subject to a search by parole officer(s) of my person, residence, and any other property under my control.

13. Special Conditions : I agree to abide by the special conditions(s) set forth below, as well as to comply with instructions which may be given or conditions imposed by my parole officer from time to time as may be governed by the special requirements of my individual situation.

Transforming Lives for the Safety of All

The Community and Field Services Division is responsible for community-based supervision of offenders who have been released from correctional facilities on parole, post-release supervision or conditional release, but who have not been discharged from their sentence. The Community and Field Services Division also includes the Interstate Compact Unit that is responsible for regulating the transfer and movement between states of adult felony parole and probation offenders under community supervision. The purpose of post-incarceration supervision is to contribute to public safety and to assist offenders in successfully reintegrating into the community.

Q: What is the difference between a Classified and Unclassified employee?

 A:  The State of Kansas has two categories of employees – classified and unclassified. 

Classified Employees: 

• State of Kansas has established job specifications for all positions assigned to classified service.
• Agencies may only hire classified employees utilizing state regulations and/or memorandum of agreement protocols. 
• Pay is governed by the legislature and the Governor Directives and the pay is in accordance with a pay matrix approved by the Governor.
• Classified employees are protected by civil service protocols. Formal discipline and/or termination may be reviewed by the Kansas Civil Service Board if the employee requests within established timeframes. The Civil Service Board may modify the agency decision. 
• Parole Officers I, II and Supervisors are in classified service. 
  
  

Unclassified Employees

•  The State of Kansas has established job titles for unclassified employees but these may vary from agency to agency.
• Agencies may hire unclassified employees utilizing classified protocols or an offer may be extended without going through the interview process. 
• Unclassified employees are appointed positions requiring approval to fill and, once an offer is extended, the amount must be approved by the Governor.    
• There are no established pay ranges for unclassified employees. The Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) utilizes the classified pay matrix as a guideline.    
• Unclassified employees are considered to be “at will,” they may be disciplined or discharged. 
• The majority of employees at the Kansas Department of Corrections in unclassified service are: managers, administrative support and maintenance.    

Q: What does it mean to be exempt?

A: The federal Department of Labor has established guidelines which must be followed by all organizations, government and non-government, in determining the exempt or non-exempt status of employee. The category assigned is determined from an approved position description utilizing federal guidelines.

Non-exempt (or Hourly): 
Non-exempt employees are paid an agreed upon wage and are assigned to work an agreed upon number of work hours;

• Hours worked over 40 in a work week are compensated at time and a half per hour for every hour worked.
• The State of Kansas allows agencies to offer limited compensatory time in lieu of overtime.
• States may pass legislation which allows for specific jobs to be on a different work week for overtime purposes. 
• A non-exempt employee could be made exempt if changes are made to the position description or the federal guidelines. 
• Changing a non-exempt employee to exempt in order to eliminate the need to pay time and a half carries severe penalties to the agency or company to include, but not limited to, paying back for all overtime that would have been worked the past two years. 
• Parole Officer I and II are considered to be non-exempt and will receive overtime or compensatory time for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. 

Exempt (or Salaried): 

• Must be considered full-time and will receive the same amount of pay each paycheck regardless of the hours worked. 
• Exempt employees are required to work a minimum number of hours a day, and if full-time, at least 40 hours a week. They are not paid more if they work 50 hours, and depending on the reason, at times if they do not work 40 hours, they are also paid the same. 
• Employees who consistently fail to work at least 40 hours a week may be changed to non-exempt or hourly status and the above rules will apply.
• Parole Supervisors are considered to be exempt.      

Q: As an applicant, what should I expect during the interview stage?

A: All applicants are screened by members of a Human Resources team utilizing an approved position description and guidelines from the managers and supervisors. Qualified applicants may be contacted to participate in one or more interviews. To be considered for employment, applicants must meet all required criteria and have submitted all documentation that is requested in the job posting. Most interviews are in a behavior-based format where the applicant would be asked how they have reacted in a specified set of circumstances. Role plays, written assignments or presentations may also be required as part of the interview process.

Q: What benefits does the Kansas Department of Corrections offer?

A: All full-time state employees contribute immediately to the KPERS retirement program and have several options available for health insurance that includes both dental and vision. Employees earn both sick and vacation leave, may have all Governor approved holidays off or be compensated for working on that day, and have an annual Discretionary Holiday to use as needed. Any State of Kansas programs (i.e., STAR) would also be made available to Department of Corrections employees. See State of Kansas website for currently available programs.

Q: Would I be working with juveniles?

A: Our population of offenders either are adults or have been convicted of a crime and adjudicated as an adult. The KDOC’s Juvenile Services Division primarily works with juvenile offenders.

Q: Would I be entering into the adult prisons to complete my job?

A: On occasion, Parole Officers may be required to visit an adult facility. It is encouraged to tour adult facilities to have a better understanding of the entire Department.

Q: Is my work schedule flexible?

A: With your supervisor’s permission, work schedules may be flexible typically after a Parole Officer fulfills his/her basic training requirements. Parole Officers may be required to work a ‘late night’ two nights per month.

Q: What would my caseload size be?

A: Caseload sizes vary greatly by offender populations, the Department’s needs, and your specific geographic location. The assessed risk level is also taken into consideration when distributing cases.

Q: What training is required?

A: New Parole Officers are required to complete 200 hours of training during their first year and 40 hours of training annually thereafter. Training can come in a variety of ways from informal job shadowing, formal classroom setting or online computer courses.   

Q: Is overnight travel required for training?

A: Parole Officer basic training is taught in a variety of locations, including but not limited to Olathe, Topeka and Wichita. Overnight travel may be required in some instances at no expense to the employee.

Q: Are company vehicles provided?

A: The Department provides vehicles during working hours at no expense to the employee so he/she may complete all necessary fieldwork and training requirements. 

Q: How long is my probationary period?

A: Probationary periods may vary but typically are nine months for a new state employee.

Q: Is my starting wage negotiable?

  A: The State of Kansas utilizes the state’s pay range/level system; therefore, the starting wage for a classified employee is not typically negotiable.

Q: What safety equipment is provided?

A: Once certified, Parole Officers have the option of carrying both Tasers and OC Spray.

Q: Would I be assigned a field partner?

A: All Parole Officers are encouraged to complete fieldwork with partners for officer safety.

Q: Am I able to carry my own personal firearm while on the job?

A: Where allowed by State of Kansas Law, Parole Officers are allowed to carry their own personal concealed firearm under certain circumstances as set forth in KDOC policy. Carrying a firearm is not a job requirement. Those who choose to carry a firearm do so for personal protection and not part of their job duties.

Q: Does the Kansas Department of Corrections offer an internship or volunteer program?

A: Yes, however programs vary by office. If interested in an internship or volunteer program, please contact the Kansas Department of Corrections Recruiter at 785-296--0041.

Q: What is the difference between Parole and Post Release offenders?

A: These two terms are often used interchangeably but Parole more accurately refers to those offenders sentenced for a crime prior to July 1, 1993 and are serving an indeterminate sentence while those sentenced after July 1, 1993 are considered on post-release supervision and serving a determinate sentence. For those on parole, the period of time on parole is determined by their performance and the date of ultimate release is decided by the Kansas Prisoner Review Board. For those on post-release supervision, its length is part of the sentencing court’s original sentence and cannot be modified except by good time awards. 

Q: As a Parole Officer, would I have arresting authority?

A: Though Parole Officers are considered Law Enforcement, the Kansas Department of Corrections does not allow arresting authority.

Q: What is an LSI-R?

A: The LSI-R (Level of Service – Revised) is an assessment tool used to gauge the likelihood of an offender re-offending. The LSI-R is administered upon entry into the KDOC system and then updated throughout the supervision term.

Q: What is TOADS and OMIS?

A: TOADS (Total Offender Accountability Document System) and OMIS (Offender Management Information System) are two of the Department’s current case management and data systems.

Q: As a Parole Officer, would I have to testify in court before a Judge?

A: Offenders on Parole/Post Release supervision are under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Corrections and not a local judge. It is rare that a Parole Officer would have to testify in court. Parole Officers may be required to appear at revocation hearings held by the Kansas Prisoner Review Board.

Q: I have a family member who is or was formerly incarcerated – does this exclude me from employment?

A: Having a friend or family member in the KDOC system would not affect an applicant’s employment opportunities as long as accommodations could be made where the employee was not involved in the direct supervision/decision making of the family member. 

Q: Would a Parole Officer ever supervise somebody on probation?

  A: Parole Officers also may supervise probationers from other states via the Interstate Compact Agreement. 

Q: What does a typical workday look like for a Parole Officer?

    A: While a Parole Officer’s primary concerns are ensuring both public and victim safety, the majority of their work day often includes the following: responding to release plan investigations, conducting home and field contacts, making computer entries, report writing, substance abuse testing, responding to violations, and using evidenced-based practices and case management tools/strategies to help motivate offenders into making the necessary changes to support a pro-social and law-abiding lifestyle.

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• The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the death penalty laws in 40 states, including Kansas, in 1972. After several previous attempts, the 1994 Legislature enacted a death penalty law, which Governor Joan Finney allowed to become law without her signature. The statute took effect on July 1, 1994.
• Kansas statute established the death penalty by lethal injection as a sentencing option for offenders 18 years of age and older who are convicted of capital murder (K.S.A. 21-3439).
• A number of inmates have been convicted of capital murder but sentenced to life in prison (with a minimum term of 25 years to parole eligibility) instead of death.
• Kansas does not have a separate “death row.” Inmates sentenced to death are typically housed in El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF), along with other inmates who are in administrative segregation.
• Inmate Scott Cheever was sentenced to death for the murder of Greenwood County Sheriff Matt Samuels. Inmate Cheever is held in the Administrative Segregation Unit at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) due to the number of friends and family of Sheriff Samuels who are employed at EDCF.
• In the event that a female inmate is sentenced to death, she will be held at the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF), the only facility for female inmates in Kansas.
• Inmates managed at EDCF or TCF will be transferred to the Lansing Correctional Facility within a week of the scheduled date of the execution.
• The average annual cost of incarceration at the El Dorado Correctional Facility for Fiscal Year 2016 was $25,596.