Programs

Pre-Release                    Vocational (Aramark)                    GED

Correctional Industries

Aramark.................................. 6 slots
Pioneer Balloon....................... 12 slots  

Community Service Work

Inmates at Winfield Correctional Facility provide thousands of hours of community service work each year to non-profit entities after certification that the service work will not displace community-available jobs. This program provides labor for those approved agencies and provides inmates with valuable job skills and work ethics that they can utilize upon release. Long-term community service work includes:

• Butler County
• City of Arkansas City
• City of El Dorado
• City of Wichita   
• City of Winfield    
• Cowley County Humane Society
• Lion’s Club Sight Project                  
• Kansas Department of Transportation 
• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
• Strother Field
• USD 465

Other Programs

Inmates also can participate in Reaching Out from Within, al self-help program for inmates who are committed to change and to giving back to the community.

Reaching Out From Within is a Kansas City-based non-profit organization founded in 1982 by violence prevention advocate and author SuEllen Fried. The program is dedicated to providing programs that prevent violence in our community. By breaking the cycle of violence, participants become contributing members of their families and society. Incarcerated men and women lead meetings using a curriculum written by offenders that teaches life skills and encourages them to make positive changes in their lives.

The WCF program began in 1994. Meetings, which are open to every inmate in the facility, are held two nights each week. During the meetings, inmates work with various materials and reference books that help in their quest to learn new ways to meet life's challenges and change their behavior. Select program participants, who have met special criteria, routinely speak to students and other groups in their community about choices and consequences.

Giving back to society in a meaningful way is one of the core beliefs of the program. The group gives back to society by supporting charities.

For more information, see the Reaching Out From Within website at http://www.rofw.org.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History | Warden
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While services for medical and education are contracted for through private vendors, the facility's food service is supported by the Larned State Hospital. However staffing at LSCF is contractual. Meals are prepared at the state hospital kitchen and transported to the LSCF for serving to the Central Unit inmates. South Unit inmates eat their meals under LSCF staff supervision at the state hospital cafeteria.

Chaplaincy Services

The facility provides opportunities for inmates to practice their respective religious faiths. A full-time chaplain is the liaison for religious services and volunteers in the community.

Reeentry

Reentry services provide programming, such as Thinking for a Change courses and support for offenders based on the inmate’s specific risk and need areas as defined by screening and offender behavior.

Private Industries

Inmate employee positions are available in non-prison based industries programs for minimum-custody West Unit inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates learn and practice the pro-social skills and good work habits required to be self-sufficient, productive citizens ready to practice responsible crime-free behavior.

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Within the program division, unit teams manage the inmate population assigned to each housing unit. A unit team manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the housing unit. Uniformed staff and corrections counselors are also part of each unit team. The unit team's purpose is to decentralize programs and operations to provide more individual attention to the inmate population and to respond to the needs of individual inmates. 

An individualized treatment program is developed, implemented and maintained for each inmate by unit team staff. The unit teams provide services to inmates in the form of work assignments, progress reviews, attitudinal and adjustment counseling, release counseling and other matters. For unit teams, release planning for all inmates is vital to an inmate’s successful transition into society. An inmate employment assessment and job assignment program is utilized to ensure inmates are assigned jobs commensurate with their technical skills. Inmates are also assigned to work crews to obtain on-the-job training which allows them to develop work skills and assist them with reintegration into society. The records office is responsible for providing clerical support for the unit teams and for updating records of inmates received, processed and transferred into and from EDCF.

Contract services, including medical, mental health and education programs are also overseen by the deputy warden of programs.

NON-CONTRACTED PROGRAMS

Facility/Parole Interaction
Facility/parole interaction meetings convene on a monthly basis for parole and facility staff to make presentations to inmates who will be releasing in 30 to 60 days. Discussions occur surrounding the 12 standard conditions of parole to dispel common myths and beliefs about post release supervision. In Phase 2, conference calls occur between inmates, facility staff (IPO, Unit Manager, Counselor, Release Planner, etc.) inmate family members or home plan sponsor and other appropriate participants.

SKIP
The Kansas Strengthening Kids of Incarcerated Parents (KS-SKIP) program is a model program designed to connect incarcerated parents to their children prior to release from prison. The initial phase of the KS-SKIP program is a 13-week parenting class that focuses on increasing the father's understanding of their role as a parent, in spite of incarceration. The goal is to strengthen the father-child relationship prior to release and to prepare fathers to reconnect with their child/children. The second phase is Play and Learn groups. The groups are mobile preschool environments where parents and children gather to play and learn together under the supervision of trained facilitators. Each week for 8-12 weeks, fathers turn an adult space into a playgroup environment for their children. When children arrive at the facility, fathers become the primary caregiver for that hour and a half session. The program's third phase includes support to the caregivers. Concurrent to the Play and Learn group, a support group is offered for the caregivers of the children.

FLIP
Directed at segregation inmates, FLIP (Fundamental Lessons in Psychology) consists of various psychological topics including: anger management, anxiety, assertiveness, cognitive self-change, depression, general mental health, grief, loss and forgiveness, men’s issues/adjustment and self-esteem. 

Chaplaincy
EDCF has two full time chaplains who facilitate, coordinate, and oversee religious programs for the Central Unit. There are over 24 different groups facilitated by the Chaplain's office including Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, Asatru, Assembly of Yahweh, Buddhist, Church of Christ Study, House of Yahweh, Innerchange, Islamic Study, Jehovah's Witnessess, Jewish Study, Latter Day Saints, Mennonite Study, Moorish Science Temple, Native Americans, Pentecostal Worship, Non-Catholic Christian Study, Sunday Services, Rastafarian, Roman Catholic Study/Mass, Seventh Day Adventists, Spanish Speaking Bible Study and Wicca.  The Chaplain's office provides greeting cards and reading materials to inmates as they are provided by donations.  This office also provides premarital counseling, grief counseling, memorial services and emergency notification for families of inmates.  Additionally, counseling is provided for inmates with families, and counseling and assistance is provided to staff as needed and requested.  The chaplains coordinate volunteer services for approximately 250 volunteers, provide training to both volunteers and facility staff, work with local community leaders and clergy and lead worship services for inmates.

Spritual Life Center
Opened in June 2010, the Spiritual Life Center is an 11,500 sq. foot structure designed to support the spiritual needs of inmates. Constructed primarily through the efforts of inmate labor, volunteers, and facility staff, project funding, furnishings, and equipment have come exclusively from donations received from individuals, corporations and foundation grants. The Spiritual Life Center provides space to an increased number of inmates to attend religious services along with housing support groups such as AA and Life Skills training.  The building contains a large chapel area, a multi-purpose room, five classrooms, a library, two chaplain's offices and a conference room.  

Transitional Segregation Program (Segregation to Society (STS)) 
Aimed at long-term segregation inmates who have 12 to 16 months until release, the program provides a number of tools necessary for the transition to the community. Inmates in this setting have been more restricted in their movement and access to others and have not been able to attend release and re-entry classes. In-cell assignments are conducted through handouts, workbooks, manuals, etc. Instruction is provided directly to inmates by trained staff. 

Behavior Modification Program (BMP)
The BMP is a program designed to deal with transitioning segregation inmates in a stratified behavior modification program based on increased steps of privileges for demonstrated appropriate behavior and program compliance. The nine-month, cognitive-based program integrates inmates in a 3-step process that includes portions of Thinking for a Change, Motivation for Change, PAD (Positive Attitude Development), and Anger Management programs.

• Step 1: Consists of the Positive Attitude Development program (9 weeks) and the Positive Communication Development (3 weeks).
• Step 2: Consists of the Positive Communication Development (12 weeks) and the Self Actualization program (12 weeks).
• Step 3: Consists of inmates participating in at least two general population groups per week. The programs are Road to Recovery, Life Skills, FLIP: Fundamental Lessons in Psychology, Meditation, Crochet and Communication.

Added to the program is an additional three months of monitoring under intensive supervision. 

Offender Workforce Development (OWDS)
OWDS works with inmates to address internal and external barriers and assesses individual interests and skills in preparation for job readiness. OWDS assists with developing such job search skills as developing a resume, completing an application, conducting a job search, honing interview skills and discussing how to address the inmate's felony conviction.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History |  Warden
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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.

 

Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas

“When we look at our correctional system, over 90-95% of those folks are going to be coming back into our Kansas communities. Be a whole lot better to use the time that they are in our system to provide an education, get training, get certificates, get licenses, so that when they come out they are ready to take the jobs that we know are available.”

Joe Reardon, President & CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

“KC Chamber members have told us the importance of reducing crime in our region and we believe one of the most effective strategies the business community can take is leading the conversation on hiring returning citizens. We believe in the importance of restoring dignity to incarcerated individuals through education and jobs training while giving them the tools to succeed when they are released from prison. We have also heard from our business community on the business case for hiring returning citizens. These team members often become the best employees a company has, and often remain the most loyal.”

Deb Kirby, Deb's Cattle Service

"I have had PI workers for over 10 years. I think this program is extremely beneficial in the reintegration of inmates to the workforce and life outside of prison. Many of these individuals have never had a job other than the streets. We try to teach skills that will benefit them wherever they decide to go once released. It also helps them to have some money in their pocket when they get out so they can hopefully get on their feet and not go back to their “old ways”. They get a peek of what life can be like if they make good choices once released."

Dave Cox, Plant Manager, Maico

“As far as reservations as far as hiring people with a felony background, there’s a lot of good guys that just simply made a bad choice at some point. Doesn’t necessarily make them a bad person for the rest of their life.”

Employers

If you are an employer interested in hiring KDOC residents, email KDOC_CareerCampus@ks.gov
 or call 785-296-3317.

On July 1, 1993, the legislature enacted the sentencing guidelines system. In this process, the Prisoner Review Board has the added responsibility of establishing conditions of supervision for inmates released on post-release supervision. The Board is also responsible for revoking those individuals who have violated their conditions of release.

Under both systems, the Prisoner Review Board has the responsibility to review executive clemency applications and make recommendations to the Governor regarding the clemency.

The Prisoner Review Board strives to cooperate fully with all criminal justice agencies for the continuing advancement of criminal justice and public safety in the State of Kansas. The Board also strives to be accessible to victims of crimes and other concerned citizens and to be receptive to their input.

Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Inmates

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a federally mandated law that came into effect on August 20, 2013.

The KDOC is making significant progress toward full PREA compliance in the areas of prevention, detection and response to incidents of sexual abuse and harassment. Responses to reports of sexual abuse have been standardized statewide and goals are in place to close any remaining identified gaps. 

With enhancements in quality control, data collection and on-going technical assistance, the KDOC has begun to pinpoint specific areas of focus in order to maximize agency resources and outcomes for PREA. 

KDOC PREA Annual Report | Resources
PREA Audits | To Report Incidents of Sexual Assault or Sexual Abuse
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To report incidents of sexual abuse or sexual harassment:

PHONE: 888-317-8204 or EMAIL

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Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA)

Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Inmates

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a federally mandated law that came into effect on August 20, 2013.

The KDOC is making significant progress toward full PREA compliance in the areas of prevention, detection and response to incidents of sexual abuse and harassment. Responses to reports of sexual abuse have been standardized statewide and goals are in place to close any remaining identified gaps. 

With enhancements in quality control, data collection and on-going technical assistance, the KDOC has begun to pinpoint specific areas of focus in order to maximize agency resources and outcomes for PREA. 

PREA Investigations 

Kansas Department of Correction’s policy requires that all PREA allegations are reviewed and assigned for investigation. Enforcement, Apprehensions & Investigations (EAI) Investigators throughout the agency have received specialized training to conduct administrative and criminal investigations regarding allegations of sexual abuse and harassment in confinements.  Criminal investigations are referred to appropriate authorities for prosecution.

KDOC PREA Annual Reports | Annual PREA Data from Contracted Facilities

Annual Survey of Sexual Victimization | Resources | PREA Audits

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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. 

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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.