Each card in the deck includes brief information about an unsolved crime along with a phone number for anyone with information to call: 1-800-KS-CRIME. These cards highlight case details in the hope that a person or persons familiar with a case will come forward with information leading to its resolution. The Cold Case Playing Cards will replace current decks of standard playing cards available in prisons and county jails. Decks will be placed in dayrooms and other common areas, and available through the commissary for purchase by KDOC residents.
“Our agency and our state’s criminal justice community have a commitment to the victims of crimes,” said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda. “Our staff members see the unresolved pain experienced by the many families we work with. Hearing the responses from surviving family members when notified that their loved one’s case has been selected for the deck has been powerful and humbling. These families have waited a long time for answers, and this brings some hope.”
“Every call or tip that is shared with law enforcement will be vetted by investigators assigned to the case,” said KBI Director Kirk Thompson. “No matter how small, each tip has the potential of being the missing piece of information needed to finally provide justice to crime victims and their families.”
Other states have solved multiple cold case homicides, missing person cases and suspicious deaths by making these cards available.
“Not every tip received leads to resolution of a case, but someone usually knows something,” Secretary Zmuda said. “Within Kansas correctional facilities and jails, we have segments of our population who want to do something good, perhaps atone for past mistakes, and they may have information about unsolved cases. Our hope is that we receive actionable intelligence that leads to solving cases.”
Development of the project began March 2021 and included law enforcement partners, representatives from victim services, facility-based programs, private industry, media and families whose lives have been impacted by homicide. Through a submissions process that began in December 2021, local law enforcement from across Kansas provided 81 cases to be highlighted. A selection committee with representatives from KDOC, KBI, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office and local law enforcement prioritized 59 cases to highlight on the first deck of 52 cards.
The oldest case is from 1976 and the most recent case is from 2020. Unsolved homicide cases are from Cherokee, Dickinson, Doniphan, Finney, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Johnson, Leavenworth, Mitchell, Montgomery, Osage, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte counties. Missing person cases are from Leavenworth, Lincoln, Pottawatomie, Saline and Sedgwick counties. The unidentified remains case is from Geary County.
“For many of these cases even after years of investigative work has occurred, questions still remain that need answers before a perpetrator can be held accountable,” Director Thompson said. “It’s our hope that by distributing this deck more attention is drawn to these cases, and that someone comes forward with details that will move us one step closer to providing justice.”
To learn more, see https://www.doc.ks.gov/victim-services/cold-case-playing-cards
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]]>Program facilitators said group members demonstrated accountability for their actions, learned to empathize with their victims’ experiences and explored healing from trauma they have experienced throughout their life.
Another 14 residents have recently completed the Victim Impact Class. This is a restorative justice program that helps residents explore the impacts of trauma and victimization through a 16 class sessions. The program is designed to encourage personal introspection, reviewing victim testimony and taking time to explore the participant's own victimization and how it contributed to their crimes.
"These graduates, and so many of our residents who are engaged in programming, are to be commended for taking such huge, positive steps toward healing and brighter futures," said Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda.
Zmuda expressed appreciation for the staff who oversee and deliver this programming.
"This direct service to residents is challenging, yet rewarding work, and our staff's extra efforts, care and compassion are truly appreciated," Zmuda said.
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Richard McMichael used to see education as his right and took it for granted.
“Then, when I got in trouble, I realized what I had lost. Once I got the opportunity to take classes, I’ve treated it like the privilege it is,” he said. “I’ve kind of become obsessed with continual learning now.”
McMichael, 26, was released in March 2022 by the Kansas Department of Corrections following a 2018 conviction for drug-related offences.
Refusing to let his past define him, McMichael used the time while incarcerated to recapture the dreams he had for the future. After his conviction, he was sent to the correctional facility in Larned, Kansas.
From the very beginning, Valarie Browning, KDOC job specialist, said McMichael was unique.
“His motivation was to get his degree and do better, to prove people wrong and that he wasn’t just another troubled kid,” she said.
Browning said McMichael had a lot of family support, and he never slowed down. He would start taking a new class almost before the first class was finished.
“We don’t often see that here,” Browning noted.
McMichael was able to transfer previous college credits to an online degree program with Adams State University, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 and made the President’s List. His next goal is to obtain his CPA, then pursue a master’s degree in computer engineering and computer science.
In May 2021, McMichael relocated to the Wichita Work Release Facility, Wichita, Kansas, and in one week he said his life changed.
“Within a week I got a job,” he said. “A week literally changed the trajectory of what my future can look like.”
After a two-month stint with that employer, where he earned an outstanding employee award, he accepted an offer of a job at Koch Industries in accounting.
“I’m really thankful for this new opportunity,” McMichael said. “I wake up every day very purpose driven, thinking about what I am going to do today to get closer to my goals.”
Rick Husselman, KDOC job specialist at the Wichita Work Release Facility, said employers who are willing to hire current residents are referred to as “second chance” employers. Throughout Kansas, 42 private industries along with 16 correctional industries employ nearly 1,300 residents.
“I can remember the days when a convicted felon was automatically rejected for a job,” Husselman said.
That mind-set is changing, however, and many employers are finding skilled employees who are either currently incarcerated or newly released, ready to work and build a better future for themselves and their families.
“McMichael didn’t waste his time while he has been with us. He has worked hard, both in college and through programs provided by KDOC,” Husselman said. “He accepted help preparing for interviews, how to discuss gaps in employment history and what he is doing while incarcerated to have success once he is released.”
While it is McMichael’s drive and determination to reach his goals that set him on a better path for the future, he is quick to credit the help and support he has received during his time with KDOC.
“There are some very special individuals working at Larned,” he said. “These KDOC employees really went above and beyond. Valerie Browning at Larned guided me and helped me find all the tools to succeed. Travis Getty, among others, proctored my tests, kept me out of trouble and on the right path. They put a lot of effort into helping the people who want to succeed.”
McMichael applauds Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda for the current push to provide education opportunities for KDOC residents.
“Finishing my degree while incarcerated has given me the skills I needed to obtain gainful employment and become a tax paying, full contributing member of society,” he said.
He also believes that if Kansas City or other areas had facilities like the one in Wichita, “you would see more guys get jobs and succeed.”
“In my opinion, the Wichita Work Release Facility has to be one of the preeminent reentry programs in the country,” he said. “The KDOC staff provide great support, assisting with job search resources, resume assistance, and many other transitional planning tools for assimilation back into society.”
McMichael said the staff recognizes that empowering the residents to reach their full potential reduces recidivism.
“It also reunites families, increases public safety, and reduces the tax burden for all taxpayers,” he said.
With a new job at Koch Industries, and his release from prison in March 2022, McMichael is setting his sights on graduate school and a brighter future.
]]>“There are really too many for me to name,” said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda. “but I would like to highlight one partnership in the Wichita area. While the numbers affected so far may seem small, the impact the program is having is huge.”
The NexStep Unlocked program is affiliated with the NexStep Alliance, and in Kansas it is a partnership between KDOC, Goodwill Industries of Kansas, WSU Tech, Kansas Board of Regents and Workforce Centers of Kansas.
KDOC recommends individuals who are on parole or community corrections for the program, and while the number the program can accommodate is limited, the program is showing some great results.
“They help individuals with education goals, such as completing a high school diploma or career pathway certifications, along with life skills and employment,” Zmuda said.
The fourth group began in January and program grads are currently employed by Harper Trucks, Darling, Ellis Enterprises, Colwich Elevator, Coleman and ICT Wichita.
“Sometimes we tend to focus our measure of success on large numbers or percentages but instead I hope we can remain focused on each person, one at a time,” he said. “A program such as NexStep Unlocked may not be graduating large numbers, but each success story represents one more individual who has been reunited with their loved ones, is a contributing member of their community and is a good neighbor.”
That only happens because of the efforts of key KDOC staff in collaboration with the partners, Zmuda said.
]]>The program has been developed by KDOC in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute (UCCI). The four-year grant supports this innovative program in Kansas, described by the Department of Justice and UCCI e as a unique and first of its kind approach.
Staff assigned to the restrictive living units and new staff hired to deliver case management and programming have all been trained in an evidence-based model as part of the preparation for launching the program.
While conducting research for the project, KDOC found that while the overall recidivism rate was just over 32% in the most recent reports, the recidivism rate for residents who spent time in restrictive housing at El Dorado or Lansing within six months of their release to the community was over 10% higher, at around 43%.
This underscores the need to increase programming opportunities for this segment of KDOC residents where opportunities are often limited.
“Initiating steps to assist these residents in successfully returning to the community is good for the resident and good for the neighborhood in which they will be living upon their release,” said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda.
Detailed metrics have been established with outcomes identified to measure the success of this project.
“I believe this approach will become a model for our other facilities, and other corrections agencies, on how to help create an environment for change and well-being,” said Zmuda. “The AIR program clearly presents us with an opportunity to improve public safety.”
Related Story:
]]>“Chandler Cheeks brings to our system a diverse background gained through various roles and responsibility at facilities within the Michigan Department of Corrections, including his most recent role as warden,” Zmuda said. “He is committed to creating a positive culture at Lansing Correctional Facility that will support a safe environment and promote a sense of well-being.”
Cheeks earned an associate’s degree from Lansing, MI Community College, and completed his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, where he graduate cum laude. He also holds a master’s degree in criminal justice leadership and management from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX. He has served as an adjunct instructor for two years at Ferris State University.
“In addition to his education and experience, Chandler values professional staff development that leads to positive change, which directly supports our strategic plan, Pathway for Success,” Zmuda said.
The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867 during the presidency of Andrew Johnson and is the oldest and largest state correctional facility in Kansas. A new facility on the same site was opened in March 2020. Serving only males, the facility includes 1,920 beds in its maximum and medium units, and 512 bed in a minimum unit.
]]>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
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)
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