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Kansas State Industrial Reformatory (KSIR)

In the mid 1880s, the State of Kansas recognized the need for a reformatory in Kansas. Modeled after the nation’s first reformatory established in Elmira, New York, the reformatory concept focused on reforming first-time male offenders between the ages of 16 and 30 through vocational training and academic education. The reformatory system also introduced the concept of indeterminate sentences whereby an offender could be sentenced to a range of years that then could be shortened if the offender exhibited good behavior while in prison.

Work on the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory (KSIR) began in 1885 when then-Governor John Martin authorized the purchase of land to build a reformatory. Following concerns that the state institutions were all located in the eastern part of the state, legislation was passed that new institutions had to be built in the western half of the state, areas west of Highway 81. Several Kansas communities vied for the reformatory including Belleville, McPherson, Newton, Wichita and Hutchinson.

The City of Hutchinson raised $25,000 and a group called the Hutchinson Sewing Circle contributed $1,000 for the purchase of 640 acres of land for the reformatory. The innocuous-sounding group was made up of a group of Hutchinson-area prostitutes who believed that the reformatory was a good concept and that youth should be separated from adults in the prison system.

On July 2, 1885 news reached the City of Hutchinson that it had been selected as the site for the new reformatory. A holiday was declared and the newspaper gives the account that throngs of people crowded Main Street, bells sounded and fireworks were shot off during a celebration that continued into the night.

Initiated with a $60,000 legislative appropriation, construction began on November 19, 1885. However, the project that encompassed building one cellblock that would house 100 men soon became beleaguered with delays that would hamper the project for the next decade. By March of 1887 all appropriated funds had been exhausted though an additional estimated $300,000 was still needed in order to complete the cellblock. At one point, the project came to a standstill for four years when the legislature failed to appropriate additional funds.

In 1894, Governor Merrill promised that if he were elected governor a reformatory would be completed in the next year. Governor Merrill was elected and held true to his promise. In August 1895 a 50-man brick cellhouse was completed and the first 30 inmates were transferred from the Kansas State Penitentiary (now Lansing Correctional Facility) to KSIR. Unfortunately, the first cellhouse was constructed of Hutchinson brick which was made from clay that was dug out of the banks of the Arkansas River. This clay contained so much sand that most buildings built of Hutchinson brick deteriorated rapidly.

The second cellhouse was completed in 1906. Both cellhouses were tied together by the rotunda which at that time was the administration building. By 1898, 185 inmates were housed at the reformatory. From 1895 to 1898, 240 inmates had been received and 270 paroles had been granted.

All inmates at KSIR went to school for two hours every night after a regular 8-hour work day. They also went to school all day on stormy days and on Saturdays. KSIR’s first vocational program was stonecutting. Many of the buildings built in Kansas around the turn of the century were built by men who were ex-inmates who had learned stonecutting at the reformatory.

Also of note in the reformatory’s history:

• In 1895, legislation passed that allowed both male and females to be housed at the reformatory. Between 1898 and 1900, two females were sent by court to KSIR. Both were later returned to the sentencing court and the law was changed in 1900.
• In 1900, the legislature approved the creation of a parole officer position and a transfer officer position that would pick up parole violators who were released from the reformatory.
• Also in 1900, a lower court ruled at the prompting of a lawsuit brought by an inmate that the Department of Corrections policy to transfer recalcitrant inmates to Lansing was unconstitutional. In 1901, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that the Department of Corrections had the authority to transfer inmates as the agency deemed appropriate.
• In 1903, the reformatory had its first successful escape. On December 19, 1903 inmate Elmer Slider, who was a trustee at the director's residence, slipped off into the night and was never heard from again.
• Also in 1903, the reformatory adopted the policy of photographing all incoming inmates to aid in the apprehension of escapees and parole violators who had absconded from supervision.
• In 1907, the term “prison guards” was changed to correctional officers as staff were responsible for more than simply guarding inmates. Staff also were responsible for counseling and providing guidance to inmates.
• During World War I, the reformatory's population dropped from 430 to 326 by January of 1918. Most of the inmates who wanted to volunteer for the draft were given that option rather than serving their prison term. A report at the time indicated that most of the inmates who served in the war had received honorable discharges.
• During the years between 1916 and 1918, records indicate leaves were granted to inmates from 30 to 90 days in order to assist area farmers in bringing in the crops.

The reformatory’s name was changed in 1990 when the facility became the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History | Warden
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Second Chance Homeless Pet Society

R.R. 3 Box 78

Norton, KS 67654

(785) 877-5219

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS135.html

E-mail

We are a non-profit organization which began in 1997 with the placement of two puppies at the Norton Correctional Facility. The dogs are placed with inmate dog handlers who train the dogs in the areas of housebreaking, basic obedience and socialization. The dogs remain at the facility for at least 30 days while members of our organization locate new homes for the dogs. We have an adoption fee of $85 to help cover spay/neuter costs, shots, food, etc.

Mia
Six-year-old Lab mix
Would make a good companion for an older person.

Sierra
One-year-old Blue Heeler

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History | Warden
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A volunteer is one who enters service of his/her own free will.  At WCF that service is to selflessly perform acts of kindness and to offer time and talents voluntarily to benefit others, primarily the inmates of WCF.  The State of Kansas provides for the basic human needs of food and lodging, in addition to basic educational and vocational services to assist inmates to become productive, law-abiding citizens upon their release.  However, due to budgetary constraints, staffing is not available to provide many other services which can benefit offenders. That is where volunteers can greatly assist.

What is Needed?

Activities and programs for which volunteers are needed include:

Art classes  -  Music  - Library assistance  

Bible study  -  Religious activities  -  Clerical assistance  -  Counseling

Alcoholics Anonymous  - Narcotics Anonymous  -  Mentoring   

Sports - Reaching Out From Within (offender self-help)

If you prefer, you may assist by donating appropriate books, music, DVD's, or worship-related items (i.e.-communion supplies).  You may also donate art supplies, dog food, pet supplies, etc.  All donated materials must be given to the Volunteer Coordinator for approval prior to usage by inmates.

How do I volunteer?

There is no minimum time, so whether you are willing to donate a few hours a month or several hours a week, we welcome your interest and assistance.  The criteria for becoming a volunteer are:

• Willingness to serve others selflessly
• Willing to work in a multi-cultural environment with respect for others
• Be at least 21 years old
• Be of good character, willing to model positive citizenship
• Not be on any inmate's visiting list
• Have no recent felony convictions
• Must pass a background check
• Willing to comply with rules and regulations
• Willing to complete required training and work under the direct supervision of the facility Chaplain

Volunteer Training

Training for volunteer service occurs in February, June, August, and October.  The training sessions are from 8:00 am to noon. 

If you would like to volunteer for any religious or programmatic offerings, or if you have any questions, call

WCF Chaplain & Volunteer Coordinator, 620-221-6660, ext. 56026

If you would like to volunteer to assist with activities such as sporting events, art, library, or holiday activities, call

Activities Specialist, 620-221-6660, ext. 56256

Overview | Visitor Information | History | Warden
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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.

You have probably heard the terms, minimum, medium and maximum security. All inmates who are in prison are classified according to the risk they present to themselves, other inmates, staff and the community, based upon a standard set of objective criteria.

The criteria include:

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

Also considered, in addition to the above criteria, are such issues as inmate performance in sex offender's treatment, detainers, absconding supervised release, gang involvement, pending disciplinary issues and civil commitment issues. 

If an offender is returned to prison for violating his/her conditions of post release supervision, they will be classified as minimum custody if:

• the violation is not a new criminal conviction, and
• they were not classified as maximum security or special management prior to their most recent release from prison; and
• they are within 90 days of their scheduled release: or
• if an exception is made in accordance with KDOC policies.

Crime victims/survivors often want to know about an offender's behavior while in prison. When an inmate breaks a rule in a correctional facility, a disciplinary report can be made. There are three classes of offenses and penalities:

Class I offenses - these are very serious in nature and may include crimes that would be considered felonies in Kansas and the United States. Threatening or intimidating any person, fighting and disobeying orders are examples of a Class I offense.

The penalty for a Class I offense may include any, all or any combination of the following:

• Disciplinary segregation, not to exceed 45 days;
• loss of "good time credits," not to exceed six months;
• extra work for up to two hours per day, not to exceed 30 days;
• restriction to inmate's own cell, not to exceed a period of 10 days;
• restriction from privileges, not to exceed 60 days;
• a fine not to exceed $20.00;
• restitution; or
• an oral or written reprimand.

 Class II offenses - these are of moderate seriousness and include crimes that would be considered misdemeanors in Kansas and the United States. Gambling, Insubordination and Disrespect are examples of Class II offenses.

The penalty for a Class II offese may include any, all or any combination of the following:

• Disciplinary segregation, not to exceed 15 days;
• loss of "good time credits," not to exceed three months;
• extra work for up to two hours per day, not to exceed 20 days;
• restriction to inmate's own cell, not to exceed a period of seven days;
• restriction from privileges, not to exceed 30 days;
• a fine, not to exceed $15.00;
• restitution; or
• an oral or written reprimand.

Class III offenses - these are of a less serious nature. Any violation of any published order from the secretary of corrections or warden that is not designated as a Class I or Class II offense belongs in this category. Unsanitary practices is an example of a Class III offense.

The penalty for a Class III offense may be any, all or any combination of the following: 

• Restriction to inmate's own cell, not to exceed three days;
• restriction from privileges, not to exceed 20 days;
• extra work for up to two hours per day, not to exceed 10 days;
• a fine not to exceed $10.00;
• restitution; or
• an oral or written reprimand.

Resident Banking Information

 KDOC is utilizing a single point of service for placing  funds into a resident's account. This means lower fees for families and friends.

LEARN MORE HERE (PDF)

Please visit www.accesscorrections.com or call (833) 878-0120 for information on how to open and manage your account.  Access Secure Deposits take MasterCard and Visa debit and credit cards. Service fees apply to online/app, phone, and walk-in retailers.

Available Deposit Options

Download the free Access Corrections mobile app available on the App Store or Google Play.

Walk-in Retailer: Visit www.cashpaytoday.com to get a barcode and make a cash deposit where you shop, including Dollar General, Family Dollar, CVS and 7-Eleven or call (844) 340-CASH (2274)

Phone deposits can be made by calling toll free 24x7 @ (866) 345-1884.

Money order deposits can be made without establishing an Access account using this form. 

Access Corrections sends a data file to the Kansas Department of Corrections using information provided during your transaction.  Any data on incoming funds must contain both a return address and the sender’s name.  If both the sender’s name and the address are not present, the entire deposit will be posted to the resident’s forced savings account.

Receiving ACH Deposits: Family and friends have an option to receive funds from a resident via ACH. Click here to learn some of the benefits of receiving ACH deposits. 

The Authorization Agreement for Personal/Business Disbursements Form needs printed, completed and signed by family and/or friends of an inmate if you choose to receive an ACH deposit instead of a check.  You must also attach a copy of a voided check from your bank account, deposit slip or signed bank letter completed by your financial institution listing your account information.  Mail all documentation to Centralized Resident Banking, PO BOX 9101, Topeka, KS 66608.

Historical Overview of Kansas Paroling Authorities

The system of early release of inmates, which we know today as “parole,” can be traced to as early as 1864. At that time the Governor, vested with constitutional authority, enjoyed the power to commute or reduce an inmate’s sentence when deemed appropriate and advisable. To offer assistance to the Governor, the 1885 Legislature created a Board of Pardons whose function was to review commutation or pardon applications and report their recommendations to the Governor. This was a three-person Board, which met four times per year at the State Capitol. Each member received $5 per day for compensation.

In 1901, the Legislature again addressed the area of early release of inmates and empowered the Governor to set certain inmates free under circumstances and conditions quite similar to today’s parole. In fact, this legislation was the first to ever use the word “parole.” The Governor was required to make certain findings before authorizing an inmate’s release under this system. The Governor had to be convinced that the inmate had served an adequate amount of time to be reformed. The Governor also had to find that the inmate could be released without endangering the community and that the inmate could find suitable employment upon release.

As with today’s parole, conditions were attached to this privileged release. The inmate was required to report regularly to the Warden, refrain from using intoxicating liquors and gambling, refrain from frequenting places where intoxicating liquor was sold or where gambling occurred and refrain from associating with criminals and unworthy associates. An inmate could be incarcerated for violating these conditions and might not again be released until the expiration of his sentence - a much stricter requirement than today.

It was not until 1903 that a release procedure was adopted that was independent of the Governor’s power. The Legislature created a Prison Board comprised of the Board of Directors and the Warden of the Penitentiary. The Board could parole inmates who had served their minimum sentences and had secured residence and employment. Conditions were attached to those releases and revocation was available when conditions were violated.

More than 50 years passed without substantive modifications to the Prison Board or its power. In 1957, however, the Prison Board was abolished and the Board of Probation and Parole was created. This Board had five part-time members who were appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. No more than three could share the same political affiliation and the membership had to include an attorney, a minister, a businessman and a farmer. The fifth member was chosen at-large.

The Board size was decreased in 1961 to three members, who received an annual salary as opposed to the previous per diem allowance. As before, the appointments were made by the Governor and approved by the Senate. The authority to grant or deny parole, and the powers attendant therewith, were vested exclusively in this Board while the Governor retained control over pardons and commutations. After a century of development and growth, the parole system finally emerged. It was allowed to separate from the Governor’s authority and was acknowledged as an independent entity.

The Board of Probation and Parole had the responsibility of deciding who was granted parole and to supervise those offenders who were placed on parole as well as those offenders who sentencing judges had placed on probation. The supervising task remained with the Board until 1974. At that time, the Board of Probation and Parole was abolished and replaced by the Kansas Adult Authority. This Board had five members, with no more than three permitted to be from the same political party. One member was required to be an attorney, and two of the others from the fields of medicine, psychiatry, sociology or psychology. With the removal of parole and probation supervision from its jurisdictions, the Board focused on parole decisions, policies, and procedures, revocation of parole violators, discharge of parolees from supervision and review of pardon and clemency applications.

In 1979, the five-member Board became full-time employees of the State of Kansas.

In 1983, the Governor reduced the Board to three members and this change was ratified by the 1984 Legislature. Also in 1984, the name was changed from the Kansas Adult Authority to the Kansas Parole Board effective January 1, 1986.

Kansas Parole Board members were appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate.  No more than two members could belong to the same political party.  Members served staggered four year terms and represented diverse backgrounds, professional training and experience.

The 1988 Legislature increased Board membership to five then during the 1997 Legislative session; a law was passed which reduced the membership of the Parole Board to four full-time members.  This reduction became effective in June 1997 effective July 1, 2003, the Legislature once again reduced the Board to three full time members. 

In 2011, Governor Sam Brownback issued Executive Reorganization Order No. 34 (ERO 34) which abolished the Kansas Parole Board and established a three-member Prisoner Review Board whose members are appointed by the Secretary of Corrections and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. This change became effective July 1, 2011.