Consecutive sentence
If an offender has more than one sentence, consecutive means that each sentence is to be served one following the other without interruption.

Concurrent Sentence
If an offender has more that one sentence, concurrent means that each sentence is served at the same time.

Determinate sentence
This is the sentence in which the offender is given a set amount of time to serve. It is expressed in terms of a number of months. An offender who is convicted of an offense committed on or after July 1, 1993 will receive a determinate sentence. The offender will not see the parole board unless the crime was 1st Degree Murder or Treason.

Indeterminate sentence
This is the sentence in which the offender is sentenced to serve a term expressed as a range of years, e.g., 1 to 5 years, 3 to 10 years, 5 to 20 years, etc. Such offenders may be released on parole, and must be released on their conditional release date as explained below. An inmate’s initial parole eligibility is determined by subtracting the amount of good time they earn and retain from their minimum sentence. For example: If an inmate is sentenced to a term of 10-30 years earns and retains all of their available good time, they are first parole eligible at five years. An offender who committed an offense before July 1, 1993 will receive an indeterminate sentence.

Conditional release
Conditional release is a date established as a function of state law and is determined by subtracting the amount of good time they earn and retain from their maximum sentence. This is the date on which the offender must be released by state law, without a discretionary release decision from the Kansas Parole Board.  The offender will then be supervised by a Parole Officer. For example: If an inmate is sentenced to a term of 10-30 years earns and retains all of their available good time, they are first parole eligible at five years and reach their conditional release date at 15 years.

Post-release supervision
This is the period of time during which an offender serving a determinate sentence is supervised in the community following release from the prison portion of the offender’s sentence. Like the prison portion of the sentence, it is also expressed in terms of a set number of months. Offenders on postrelease supervision are supervised by Parole Officers.

Sentence Discharge/Maximum Sentence Date
This is the date on which the offender has served all of their sentence and will be released from any further obligation on the sentence, and no longer be supervised by the Kansas Department of Corrections. It is initially determined according to the sentence given to the offender by the sentencing court, but in the case of determinate sentences, may be modified to an earlier date by earning and award of good time while on postrelease supervision (see definition for “good time”). In the case of indeterminate sentences, the Kansas Parole Board may grant an early discharge of the sentence, generally based upon the offender’s compliance with conditions of parole supervision for a period of at least one year.

Good time
Inmates who demonstrate good work and behavior are eligible to earn good time credits which decrease part of the term of their incarceration. Inmates sentenced under the indeterminate sentencing structure are eligible to earn good time credits at a rate of 50% (one day earned for one day served). Inmates sentenced under the determinate sentencing structure are eligible to earn good time credits at a rate of either 15% or 20%, depending on the date the crime was committed. Offenders sentenced under the determinate sentencing structure are also eligible to earn good time credits during their period of postrelease supervision at a rate of 50%. Good time credits may be withheld or forfeited for failure to comply with rules and regulations, resulting in the inmate remaining in prison for a longer period of time. Good time credits withheld or forfeited on postrelease supervision will result in the offender remaining under supervision for a longer period of time.

Program Credit 
Program credits are available to inmates serving sentences for crimes committed on or after January 1, 2008, and are limited to inmates serving non-drug severity level 4 through 10 crimes or drug severity level 3 or 4 crimes. Program credits can decrease the inmate’s term of incarceration up to 60 days. Credits are available upon successful completion of a general education diploma (GED), a technical or vocational training program, a substance abuse treatment program, or any other program designated by the Secretary of Corrections which has been shown to reduce offender risk after release. Sex offender treatment programs are excluded. Credit can only be received once, and can be forfeited.

Work Release
The Department of Corrections operates work release programs in Wichita, Hutchinson and Topeka. While an inmate is participating in the program, they continue to reside at the correctional facility but are employed in the community. The inmates at the Wichita and Hutchinson work release programs are eligible to attend church unescorted by staff.

Community Service Work program
Minimum custody inmates at all correctional facilities except Wichita Work Release Facility may be assigned to a community service work detail. These crews are supervised by specially trained staff and are assigned to projects that include construction, maintenance, lawn care, snow removal, and more for local units of government, other state agencies, and eligible not-for-profit organizations. Offenders serving a sentence for conviction of a sexually violent offense are not eligible for assignment until such time as they have completed Sex Offender Treatment Program and are also determined not to be high-risk according to KDOC assessment.

Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP)
Provides a three-phase approach (orientation, treatment and transition) of evaluating and treating sexual offenders committed to the custody of the KDOC. Candidates for the program are inmates who have been convicted of a sex offense or a sexually motivated offense. The program is 18 months in duration, and is based on a cognitive, relapse prevention model.

The community-based sex offender treatment program for offenders on parole and postrelease supervision focuses on relapse prevention skills training, and provides both basic treatment and aftercare protocols.

Substance Abuse Treatment
Facility based substance abuse treatment provides inmates with a continuum of treatment services to assist them in overcoming their dependence on and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The department offers several levels of substance abuse treatment, including therapeutic communities.

Community based Substance abuse treatment services for offenders on parole and postrelease supervision include transitional therapeutic community residential placements and outpatient counseling.

Theraputic Community (TC)
The facility based TC program provides a structured living and treatment environment for offenders with substance abuse problems. The program ranges from 6 to18 months (depending on the location and each individual’s treatment needs) and contains three phases - orientation, treatment and transition. The program emphasizes cognitive restructuring and graduated incentives within its treatment curriculum.

Inmates in the TC program, are separated from the general inmate population and create their own pro-social community. As they move through the treatment program, the inmates are able to help new members of the community who have not yet learned those attitudes and behaviors.

An additional required feature of the therapeutic community treatment concept includes a community-based component for offenders on parole or postrelease supervision. The Transitional Therapeutic Community (TTC) services are an extension of therapeutic community methods and objectives.

Sex Offender Treatment and Substance Abuse Treatment services are provided under contracts between the Kansas Department of Corrections and DCCCA, Inc. of Lawrence, Kansas and Mirror, Inc. of Newton, Kansas.

Community residential beds (CRBs)
The CRBs provide structured living for offenders who are just being released from prison and who lack a suitable parole plan or for those on post-incarceration supervision who have encountered difficulties. The focus of the CRBs is to encourage the offender’s successful return to the community.

Community residential beds are located in Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka.

Custody Levels

• Special Management - This describes an offender who is in prison 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 1 hour out of every 24 hours.
• 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.
• Medium Custody – Describes an inmate that is most suitable for housing at a medium or maximum-security facility. Within the facility assigned, activities and movements are moderately controlled and structured.
• Minimum Custody – Describes an inmate who is appropriate for housing at any level of security, with minimum security preferred.

Clinical Services Report
An evaluation of the offender’s current mental health and risk level.

Parole
Parole is when the parole board decides to release an offender from prison who is serving an indeterminate sentence once the offender is eligible for parole. The offender will then be under the supervision of a parole officer until the sentence is complete or the offender is sent back to prison for any reason. The Parole Board may re-parole offenders at its discretion.

Parole Decisions
Inmates sentenced under the indeterminate sentencing law will be eligible to see the Parole Board to ask for release on parole under Department of Corrections supervision. The Parole Board can parole, pass, or continue this decision.

• Pass - The Parole Board can issue a “pass”, which is a denial of parole. When issuing a pass, the Parole Board will also decide on a period of time until the offender will be again considered for parole. The Board can pass an offender for up to 10 years in some cases, depending on the severity of the crime and the length of the sentence.
• Continue - The Parole Board may “continue” the decision, which is postponing making a decision to parole or pass the inmate. The KPB may request a variety of additional information regarding the offender's risk and re-entry plans.
• Full Board Review - Often, offenders do not receive a decision immediately following their case for a full board review.  Full board review is a group-based problem solving approach utilized by the KPB to present a comprehensive overview of a case to all KPB members.  The KPB utilizes the Full Board Review process for inmates with life sentences under possible consideration for parole or for the purpose of long-term planning, any high-profile case which has strong opposition or media interest, sex offenders with the potential to be reviewed for civil commitment as a sexually violent predator, all extended passes where there is dissent among KPB members, and any other case requiring problem-solving perspective.

PO
This is the abbreviation for Parole Officer. The Parole Officer is the staff person from the Kansas Department of Corrections who will be supervising the offender while the offender is on parole or postrelease supervision.

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.

The Parole Process 

Public Comment Sessions

The Prisoner Review Board conducts monthly Public Comment Sessions in the cities of Derby, Topeka and Kansas City.  The sessions provide an opportunity for Board members to receive written and oral input from victims, victims’ families, inmates’ families, community members and other interested persons regarding the possible parole of inmates. Notice of the Public Comment Sessions and a list of relevant inmates are available at: Public Comment Sessions.    

Parole Eligibility

Inmates under the indeterminate sentencing structure become parole eligible after serving the minimum sentence, less good time credits. The good time credits are calculated according to statute. Currently, good time is earned at a rate of one day for every day served for sentences with a minimum of two years. In other words, an individual will become eligible at half of his/her minimum sentence if all good time is earned. For sentences with a one-year minimum, parole eligibility is reached after serving nine months.

The Parole Hearing

By statute, the Board must conduct a parole hearing during the month prior to the inmate’s parole eligibility date with the inmate present if he/she is incarcerated in Kansas. This appearance does not necessarily mean that the inmate will be released on parole. Parole eligibility is viewed by the Board as distinctly different from parole suitability.

During the parole hearing the inmate is given an opportunity to: 

• Present to the Board the inmate’s version of the offense and any mitigating or precipitating factors;
• Discuss the inmate’s prior criminal history;
• Discuss the progress the inmate has made and the programs that have been completed, including those that are a part of the inmate’s Program Agreement;
• Discuss the precipitating or mitigating factors of any Disciplinary Reports the inmate has received while incarcerated;
• Discuss the inmate’s problems and needs;
• Present and discuss a parole plan;
• Discuss other matters that are pertinent to consideration of parole release;
• Present other reasons the inmate believes makes him/her ready for parole.

Parole hearings provide the Board an opportunity to review all available reports and material pertinent to the case, as well as to question the inmate directly about relevant issues and to make an assessment of the inmate and his/her readiness for parole.

The Parole Decision-Making Process

Kansas Law stipulates that the Board may release on parole those inmates who have satisfactorily completed the Program Agreement, required by the K.S.A. 75-5210a, whom the Board believes are able and willing to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding citizen, and when the Board is of the opinion that there is a reasonable probability that the inmate can be released without detriment to the community or to the inmate. (K.S.A. 22-3717 (e)).

In conjunction with K.S.A. 22-3717 (h), the following non-exhaustive factors are considered when determining parole suitability: 

• Circumstances of the offense 
• Previous criminal record and social history of the inmate
• Programs and program participation
• Conduct, employment, attitude, disciplinary history during incarceration
• Reports of physical/mental examinations, including but not limited to risk factors revealed by any risk assessment  
• Comments from public officials, victims or their family, offender family or friends, or any other interested member of the general public
• Capacity of state correctional institutions
• Input from staff where offender is housed
• Proportionality of time served to the sentence that would have been received under the Kansas sentencing guidelines for the conduct that resulted in the inmate's incarceration
• Presentence report

In addition to soliciting comments from violent crime victims, comments are solicited from public officials regarding the inmate’s possible parole. These officials include the Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff’s Department, Police Department and the Sentencing Judge from the county or counties in which the inmate was convicted. This information is made available to the Board at the inmate’s hearing.

These considerations take into account the welfare of the community and public safety in determining the optimum period of time for parole release of an individual inmate. The parole decision is representative of the criminal justice system and governmental guidelines and is an attempt to reflect the general attitude and opinions of law enforcement and the community at large. Before granting parole, the Board determines whether or not an offender has demonstrated appropriate behavior which ensures a reasonable opportunity to succeed socially and economically. The Board takes into consideration the individuality of offenders on a case-by-case basis.

The Board can make one of three basic decisions at a parole hearing. These decisions are

• parole
• continue
• pass

The Board can decide to “parole” when it believes the inmate is suitable for release.

Secondly, the Parole Board can decide to “continue,” which is to postpone making a decision to parole or pass the inmate. This action is made to facilitate further deliberation or receipt of information, when it requires a more in-depth review or discussion of the case. The Board may also continue for additional votes necessary for a majority decision. Other times, it may continue for the inmates to undergo an evaluation to assess the inmate’s mental health. Once the reason for the continuation is satisfied, a determination as to whether or not to release the inmate is made.

The third decision is to “pass” for a particular period of time, which is a denial of parole. The maximum period for which the Prisoner Review Board may pass offenders convicted of A or B felonies or off-grid offenses is ten years, if the Board can provide reasons as to why it is not believed that the inmate would have been granted parole otherwise. Previously, offenders convicted of such offenses could only be passed for up to 3 years.

For offenders convicted of offenses other than A or B felonies or off-grid offenses, the Board may issue a pass for a period up to three years, provided the Board can give reasons as to why it is not believed that the inmate would have been granted parole otherwise. Previously, offenders convicted of such offenses could only be passed for up to one year.

Appeal

An inmate has the right to appeal a parole decision under authority of K.A.R. 45-200-2(b), when he/she can present “new evidence which was unavailable at the prior hearing.” The appeal must be made in writing and specify the new evidence upon which the inmate relies. Those that meet the outlined criteria are reviewed by the Prisoner Review Board so that a decision can be made regarding the appeal. Once a decision has been reached, the offender is notified of the decision by the Board.

Conditional Release

A conditional release is the date when an inmate under an indeterminate sentence must be released, because he/she has served half of the maximum sentence. Good time for conditional release is calculated in the same manner as for parole eligibility. Therefore, for sentences with a maximum of two years or more an inmate must serve one-half of the maximum before being conditionally released. For example, on a three-to-ten year sentence, an inmate will reach his/her conditional release after serving five years and must be released at that time, provided he/she has lost no good time. When an inmate reaches his/her conditional release, the Prisoner Review Board reviews the inmate’s file and establishes conditions with which the inmate must comply. The offender is then placed on conditional release and supervised until the maximum sentence date or granted an early discharge by the Board.

Post-Release Supervision

The Kansas Legislature imposed a Sentencing Guideline Sentencing structure for individuals whose crimes were committed on or after July 1, 1993. This system is determinate in nature, in that the inmate’s period of incarceration is predetermined at sentencing. Post-release supervision is similar to conditional release. Post-release supervision begins when an inmate has served the maximum sentence, less good time credits. Each sentence has its own predetermined period of supervision and the inmate may earn good time in an amount no greater than 15-20 percent (depending on when the crime occurred) of the sentence, thereby reducing the portion of the sentence that must be served in prison. This amount of time, however, will then be added to the period of post-release supervision, so that the entirety of the term will not be affected or reduced. Therefore, since the inmate’s release date is predetermined, the Prisoner Review Board’s role at release is to set the conditions of the supervision period. Once the individual reaches the expiration date of his/her supervision period, the individual’s obligation to the state has been satisfied.

Parole, Conditional Release, and Post-Release Revocation Hearings

In general, after an inmate has been released on parole, conditional release or post-release supervision, the Secretary of Corrections may issue a warrant when a violation of parole, conditional release or post-release supervision has been established. This process is initiated by an offender’s Parole Officer, not by the Prisoner Review Board. If the Parole Officer wishes to pursue revocation proceedings, a probable cause/ preliminary hearing is conducted by the field parole staff and an impartial hearing officer. If probable cause is found, the inmate may be returned to the Department of Corrections’ custody. The offender is then scheduled for a revocation hearing before the Prisoner Review Board. The inmate has the right to have witnesses present who may have information relevant to the alleged violation. If the violation is established to the satisfaction of the Board, it may revoke the parole, conditional release or post-release or take any other appropriate action. In the case that the release is revoked, this action could include assessment of a penalty in the nature of further time which the inmate must serve before again being considered by the Board for release.

For offenders under post-release supervision, the Board is limited in the length of time it can order offenders to serve on a condition violation. For these offenders, depending on when their original conviction occurred, the Board may only revoke for up to 90 days or for 180 days. The exception to these limits is if the violation results from a conviction for a new felony or misdemeanor.  Prior to July 1, 2013, upon revocation for a new felony conviction the inmate was required to serve the entire remaining balance of the period of post-release supervision even if the new conviction did not result in the imposition of a new term of imprisonment.  As a result of FY2013 legislation that amended K.S.A. 75-5217 (c) the Board, beginning July 1, 2013, has the discretion to require an offender to serve a revocation period up to the date of sentence discharge when revocation is predicated on either a new felony or misdemeanor conviction.

Waiver of Final Prisoner Review Board Hearing

During the FY 1999 legislative session, K.S.A. 75-5217 (b) was amended to provide post-release supervision violators the option of waiving their final hearing before the Prisoner Review Board. Following arrest, an offender is served documents regarding the pending revocation and has the option to admit guilt and sign a waiver of their right to a hearing before the Board. In doing so, the revocation process for the offender begins at that point, and the revocation period of either 90 or 180 days begins immediately, rather than after the offender appears in person before the Board at a revocation hearing. Offenders who have been granted a parole release are not eligible to waive their final hearing before the Board.

Discharge from Supervision

An inmate under the indeterminate release system can be maintained on supervision up to the expiration of his/her maximum sentence. There is a minimum requirement of one year of supervision before discharge may be requested.  This action may be initiated by the offender’s supervising Parole Officer, the Prisoner Review Board or the offender. A poor performance under supervision could result in causing the inmate to remain under supervision for a longer period of time than one or two years. If an inmate’s adjustment has been satisfactory, the Parole Officer may submit a written report, summarizing the offender’s conduct while under supervision, which outlines for the Board issues such as employment, compliance with conditions and law enforcement contact. The Request for Discharge must be accompanied by an approval by the Parole Officer’s supervisor and is then considered by the Board. Without regard to his/her conduct, an inmate must be released from supervision at the maximum sentence expiration date in the absence of an early discharge.

During the FY 2013 legislative session, K.S.A. 22-3717 (d) (2) was amended to allow offenders serving 12, 24 or 36 months of post release supervision to petition the Board for early discharge if they have paid court ordered restitution.

Maximum Release

In the event an inmate under the indeterminate release system has had his/her Conditional Release revoked and/or serves to the maximum, he/she shall be released from prison at that time as the offender’s sentence has been satisfied. The Board has no authority to set any conditions upon the release or to have any control over the offender’s conduct. The Department of Corrections, similarly, cannot provide any supervision. Once an offender reaches his/her maximum date the offender’s obligation to the State has been satisfied and the Board records this with the issuance of a maximum sentence discharge certificate.

Executive Clemency

Executive Clemency is an extraordinary method of relief and is not regarded as a substitute for parole. An inmate who believes that he/she has a deserving case for executive clemency may request the necessary applications from institutional staff. Once completed by the inmate, these forms are submitted to the Board, along with the inmate’s reasons for applying for clemency. As required by law, a notice of the inmate’s application is forwarded to the official county newspaper in the area of conviction so that interested parties may offer comments. In the event the inmate does not have sufficient funds for the cost of this publication, the Department of Corrections bears the cost. Comments are solicited from the sentencing judge and the prosecuting attorney. After the formalities have been accomplished, the Board conducts a file review to determine if a personal interview with the inmate is warranted. After reviewing the file, and conducting a hearing (if needed), the Board then submits a recommendation to the Pardon Attorney in the Governor’s office for the Governor’s final action.