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.

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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

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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

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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.

• Job Readiness Skills
• Employment After Prison
• Basic Parenting
• Parenting from Prison
• Family Reunification
• Money Management
• GED Studies

• African Awareness
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Arts in Prison (music, choir, art, poetry)
• Fine Arts Society
• Hispanic Awareness
• Incarcerated Veterans
• Narcotic Anonymous
• Reaching Out From Within
• Mentoring 4 Success

• Asatru
• Assembly of Yahweh
• House of Yahweh
• Islamic
• Judaism
• Moorish Science Temple of America
• Native American
• Rastafarian
• Thelema
• Wiccan

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Volunteer News
Volunteer Opportunities
Why Volunteer? 

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma Gandhi

• Lansing Correctional Facility depends upon the assistance of volunteers who work throughout the facility. People are able to volunteer for educational purposes to help residents with life skills, help with different religious studies or to assist with sports and athletic events. Volunteers also may assist staff with clerical duties. Volunteers may help weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. 
 

Who can be a volunteer?

• Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.
• Volunteers can be of any race, gender or ethnic group.
• Volunteers do not have to have any special education.
• Volunteers cannot have a close family member currently incarcerated with the Kansas Department of Corrections.
• Volunteers cannot be on a visiting list of any offender in Kansas Department of Corrections.
• Volunteers can be ex-offenders, and is decided on by a case-by-case basis.

 

To Become a Volunteer

1. Volunteers complete a volunteer application packet* and security check.
2. Volunteers receive approval from the volunteer group’s representative and volunteer services coordinator.
3. Volunteers complete the Lansing Correctional Facility volunteer training and commit to five visits to the facility per year.

For more information or to request a volunteer packet contact:

Laura Phillippi (e-mail)
Volunteer Services Coordinator

Lansing Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 2
Lansing, KS 66043

(913) 727-3235 ext. 58243
Fax: (913) 250-2755

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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.