While at KJCC to pick up the toys, games and sporting equipment, the Marines spent some time with the young residents talking about their futures and where the toys would be going.
Giving our residents the opportunity to give back is an important part of learning to make better choices in life. An unexpected and equally impactful bonus was the chance to have such outstanding role models visit with the residents and thank them for their generosity.
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Only ten individuals are nominated each year across 53 states and territories. This includes hundreds of ICAOS staff and thousands of supervising officers.
The nomination applauds Maples’ dedication for going above and beyond to ensure an offender continued to receive the right services and support, protecting the community and avoiding the need for incarceration and the expense of extradition.
To learn more about the Interstate Compact, please see Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS) — (ks.gov)
]]>The KLC leadership path teaches that leadership is an activity, not a position, and that anyone within an organization can be an effective leader. The first step is a two-day virtual or in-person training called “Your Leadership Edge.” Last year, 37 KDOC staff completed this training, and 38 staff are involved in the first step of training this year.
The next step is “Lead for Change.” Participants meet weekly for six weeks and training includes a deeper dive into the KLC leadership framework with skill building activities in the areas of the change process, confronting assumptions and personal feedback. The final step, “Equipped to Lead,” is a two-day training covering advanced leadership strategies and challenges participants to develop ways to apply what they have learned to their roles within KDOC.
To support those who have completed various levels of the training, KDOC staff coordinate monthly “Virtual Leadership Stretch” Zoom sessions. These sessions give staff a chance to reconnect, discuss ideas and receive feedback on their own leadership activities throughout the department.
In addition, Matthew Beyer, EDCF staff development manager, Greg Perez, TCF staff development manager, and Jessica Homolka, KDOC leadership and supervisory trainer, are completing one of KLC’s intensive trainings, “Teach Leadership.” This is a 50-hour virtual training to further develop teaching and leading skills they can then use to expand opportunities within KDOC for additional staff to benefit from this leadership training.
Staff development and training are focus areas within KDOC’s strategic plan, Pathway for Success. All staff are given opportunities to gain new skills for personal and professional advancement and to support the work they do with individuals served by KDOC. Through the partnership with KLC, KDOC staff have opportunities to develop skills to lead in any situation, mobilize others in positive ways and create change for future success.
]]>The KDOC-sponsored training includes many hours of classroom instruction plus working with coaches to gain skills to help in their work as case managers. Two staff members – Chris Merritt and Derick White – were recognized for going above and beyond in their classroom, coaching and training efforts. Academy graduates are:
This case management training is an important part of the skills and capacity-building for KDOC and community corrections staff, providing the tools that support residents and to increase their success when returning to the community.
]]>To begin using this service, please sign up at https://visit.telmate.com/user/messages.
For more information, please see https://www.doc.ks.gov/facilities/inmate-communications/electronic-messaging.
]]>TOPEKA-Nov. 30, 2020 KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda met recently with Ron Miller, U.S. Marshall for the State of Kansas, to discuss the relationship between the two organizations and the joint commitment to improving public safety in our communities.
“A portion of that commitment is our participation in the Kansas Fugitive Task Force and the involvement of our EAI Special Agents in the Field,” Zmuda said.
EAI (Enforcement, Apprehension and Investigation) staff partner with U.S. Marshalls to track down and apprehend and/or intervene with individuals engaged in activities that pose a threat to the safety of others in the community.
For the Federal Government Fiscal Year 2020 (October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020), 809 fugitive cases were referred to the task force by KDOC. Zmuda said 763 are now considered closed as a result of arrests.
“That is a 94.31 percent closure rate and is testimony to the commitment and diligence of our staff and others who support this important public safety work.” Zmuda said
In addition to the U.S. Marshalls’ office and KDOC, members of the task force include Kansas City, Kansas, Overland Park, Wichita and Topeka police departments; Wyandotte, Johnson and Shawnee counties sheriff offices; U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
For more information about the U.S. Marshalls Fugitive Task Forces, see U.S. Marshals Service, Investigations, Local Fugitive Task Forces
]]>That beginning was followed by different waves of change in the U.S., bringing new mechanisms such as parole, probation and indeterminate sentencing into mainstream penal practice. Equally rooted in our history is the American favor of the concept of reform and rehabilitation of offenders to become law-abiding citizens. This dates to the post-colonial days of our nation.
In more recent history, in 1973 the Kansas Legislature re-codified our purpose, which in part says “… apply this act and acts of which it is amendatory or supplemental liberally to rehabilitate, train, treat, educate and prepare persons convicted of felony in this state for entry or reentry into the social and economic system of the community….” This law remains in effect to this day. In addition, we now benefit from over four decades of scientific research defining the key principles to reducing crime, principles that align with this statutory purpose.
]]>Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda said in his introduction to the annual report that he is proud of the collective accomplishments of KDOC employees.
"Working with justice involved individuals is stressful, no matter what your role may be. Yet this work can be incredibly rewarding as we strive to change lives and bring hope to someone who can’t see a future beyond their current circumstances," Zmuda said.
The annual report includes information for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021) along with trend data from previous years.
"It is my privilege to share some of the highlights of Fiscal Year 2021 in this annual report as we continue to work toward our vision of Transforming Lives for the Safety of All," Zmuda said.
The report details selected highlights from the year, including:
Access the online report here:
]]>Staff who participate gain understanding of the core principles of managing complex adaptive issues, knowing when to exercise leadership versus authority, interpreting events towards more solutions, assessing barriers to intervene effectively, building trust and courage, and managing themselves in challenging situations. This has been accomplished through a numerous avenues and programs both facilitated by the KLC teaching team and KDOC staff.
Staff development and training are focus areas within KDOC’s strategic plan, Pathway for Success. All staff are given opportunities to gain new skills for personal and professional advancement and to support the work they do with individuals served by KDOC.
"Through the partnership with KLC, our staff have opportunities to develop skills to lead in many situation, mobilize others in positive ways and create change for future success," Zmuda said. "Thank you to our staff development leaders and to those participating in this intensive leadership program."
See related story: https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-staff-gain-leadership-skills-through-kansas-leadership-center
The increase is due in part to Second Chance Pell grants. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced last fall that seven Kansas colleges had been awarded $2,229,125 million in Pell funding for incarcerated citizens. This was the second round of awards through the U.S. Department of Education, with 67 colleges selected from 180 applicants. Kansas received the highest number of awards in the nation.
Another four Kansas colleges are expected to apply in early 2022 for Second Chance Pell status. In July 2023, a ban - put in place in 1994 under the Violent Crimes Control and Law Enforcement Act - on Pell grants for those who are incarcerated will be lifted, leading to greater opportunities for more residents to enroll.
“Of the 325 residents in KDOC classrooms this fall, 240 are funded through Pell,” said Dr. Cris Fanning, KDOC Education Director. “By leveraging KDOC funds with Pell and other federal funds, KDOC plans to significantly increase market relevant job certifications for returning citizens.”
The classes are taught by professors from Kansas colleges. The Kansas Consortium for Correctional Higher Education, a partnership between KDOC, the Kansas Board of Regents and 11 Kansas higher education institutions, ensures prison programs are of the same quality as those on campus and that certifications and degrees are geared to high-demand occupations.
CTE programs include welding, sustainable/renewable energy, carpentry and electrical skills. Degree programs include associate of applied science, associate of arts in liberal studies and Bachelor of Science in computer information systems. As funding and space within the facilities allow, more programs and degrees will be added.
Special education and Title I services are also offered, and another 134 residents are enrolled in GED programs.
The connection between education and opportunity is well-documented. According to a recent Rand study, for every $1 spent on educating an incarcerated individual, taxpayers save between $4 and $5 in three-year incarceration costs. KDOC research indicates 75% of those entering prison have weak employment and education histories, and 50% of the reincarcerated were unemployed at the time of re-entry
“There is a direct link to education achievement and success after an individual fulfills their sentence and returns to the community,” said Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Secretary of Corrections. “Job readiness programs, transitional planning, private and correctional industry opportunities, mentors, tutors and many other key partners all play a part, but education and training are the foundation.”
Beyond the benefit to the individual, a skilled, ready-to-work workforce is one of our state’s highest needs.
KDOC releases approximately 6,000 individuals each year who return to their home communities. Providing training and education prior to release increases the labor pool for employers, and this in turn directly benefits local and state economies and improves the quality of life for all involved.
KDOC staff also observe that giving residents meaningful, relevant activities such as education and training leads to improved behavior. This is reflected in fewer rules violations and placements in restrictive housing. It also promotes positive engagement with staff and other residents and contributes to improved mental and physical health.
]]>KDOC will be lifting many of the restrictions placed on in-person visitation. The change will take effect May 13, 2022 for Winfield Correctional Facility, and all other correctional facilities on May 14, 2022.
Visitors, residents and staff in the visitation areas will no longer be required to wear masks. A passive screening process will be used, asking visitors and residents a series of questions about COVID-19 symptoms or contact with anyone within the last 14 days being suspected of having the coronavirus, and temperatures will no longer be taken. Appropriate physical contact will be allowed, and plexiglass barriers will no longer be used.
"Family and friends are a critical part of each resident’s support network," said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda, "and I know these past two years, particularly when all in-person visitation was closed, were enormously difficult for everyone involved.
Zmuda noted that there is always the possibility that adjustments will need to be made as KDOC continues to monitor the impact the pandemic has on congregate living situations such as those that exist in our facilities.
"But for now this is welcome news indeed," he said.
More information can be found here: Visitation In-Person — (ks.gov)
]]>Visitation was suspended earlier this year due to the increase in COVID-19 positive cases within the facilities and staffing shortages.
"We have seen significant reductions in the prevalence of the coronavirus in our facilities this month and are seeing some modest improvement in our staffing levels." Zmuda said. "While we still face substantial challenges ahead, resumption of in-person visitation moves us one step back toward normal operations."
For more information, please see Visitation In-Person — (ks.gov)
]]>“We had nominees from every corner of KDOC for this year. It was an incredible list of employees doing phenomenal work,” said Audrey Cress, director of KDOC Office of Victim Services.
The four winners were surprised during July staff meetings and presented certificates of recognition in honor of their award. Criteria for the award includes dedication to the safety of crime victims and/or public safety in general while supporting offender success. The award can go to individuals for help provided on a particular case, demonstrating a consistent commitment to safety and success or for a program that has been implemented.
The overall 2021 Champion of Justice Award went to Kendra Vestal, Ellsworth Correctional Facility discharge planner in the reentry program. She has held her current position since 2019. Prior to joining KDOC we worked four years at ECF with the department's medical provider.
Vestral was instrumental in making the Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) accessible and successful for three residents at ECF this year. The program required participants to use zoom technology rather than attending in-person sessions at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF). Maintaining a busy schedule with her normal duties, Vestral took on the extra efforts required to make sure the three participants had access to materials and technology, troubleshooting technology difficulties and coordinated the BIP staff visit to ECF to celebrate the participants’ success.
One of her nominators said, “Kendra was a real advocate for the BIP Program at ECF. And it was clear from the way she interacted with the BIP group members at ECF that she embodies the concepts of second chances, redemption and kindness to all.” Another nominator wrote: “When all three residents got their favorable board results, she personally delivered it to them so she could celebrate their success with them.”
Pictured above, left to right: Audrey Cress, OVS director; Kendra Vestal, ECF discharge planner and 2021 KDOC Champion of Justice Award winner; Danielle Thompson, KDOC BIP Coordinator; and Jennifer Horst, KDOC BIP Assistant Coordinator
Cora Gibson, Parole Officer, Hutchinson Parole Office
Cora Gibson joined KDOC as a parole officer with the Hutchinson Parole Office in May 2019. She served as a vocal advocate for a victim whose safety was in question when the offender was discharged from supervision sooner than expected. Gibson wrote a letter on behalf of the victim to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Board, securing funding for the victim to relocate and helping the victim find housing to increase safety. In the nomination materials,
Gibson was praised for advocating on behalf of victims and children and maintaining communication with the victims throughout the process.
Logan Hall, Parole Officer, Great Bend Parole Office
Logan Hall, parole officer with the Great Bend Parole Office, was described as “probably one of the most victim centered parole officers that I have worked with. Every time I work with Logan it is apparent that victim safety is a top priority for him.”
Hall was a police officer before joining the KDOC staff as a parole officer in Great Bend in 2015.
His dedication to advocating on behalf of the victim and maintaining confidentiality while addressing the victim’s concerns has earned him the trust and respect of both the victims and his peers. One of his nominators wrote: “He has gone out of his way many times to meet with victims in person to discuss release plans, safety concerns and also when working on reintegration.”
Jillian Pollard, Parole Supervisor, Kansas City Parole Office
Jillian Pollard has served as parole supervisor with the Kansas City Parole Office since Aug. 2014. Previously she was a probation and parole officer in Missouri for 10 years, then joined KDOC in Sept. 2011 as a parole officer before being promoted to her current position. Her nominators noted she “creates a culture within her unit where victims are heard, respected, and supported.”
Pollard approaches offender supervision with compassion and humility while remaining responsive to victim services and the needs of the victims. “Her empathy, resourcefulness, and collaborative nature are an asset to our work and the people we serve,” nomination materials said.
The Office of Victim Services (OVS) provides confidential support and information if you are the victim, survivor or witness to a crime and the offender was sentenced to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
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