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
]]>The report is the result of work undertaken by KDOC Juvenile Services and other stakeholders to address issues identified by the Juvenile Justice Workgroup in 2015 and in the Kansas Juvenile Justice Reform Act (SB367). The 2016 legislation cited the need to improve the quality of juvenile defense statewide.
]]>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)
]]>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
“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.
]]>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.”
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]]>“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.
]]>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.
]]>This year’s theme of “Rights, Access, Equity for All Victims” underscores the importance of helping crime survivors by enforcing victims’ rights, expanding access to services and ensuring equity and inclusion for all. Learn more at this website: https://ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2022/overview
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