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)
]]>“Even under the best academic conditions, this would be a noteworthy achievement,” said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda, “but to do so while a resident in a correctional facility is a true indication of personal discipline and commitment.”
Participating in college programs while incarcerated can make the difference to an individual’s success upon release. While many factors contribute to that success, finding a steady job that pays a livable wage is critical.
“We are beginning to see more and more success stories as our programs increase and more residents participate,” Zmuda said.
Education programs are available at all Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) facilities, though specific programs vary by location. For the Spring 2022 semester, approximately 60 HCF residents are enrolled in 14 different classes through the community college. All instruction is delivered at the facility, with additional resources available online using APDS (American Prison Data Systems) tablets.
HCC offers an Associates of Applied Science Technical Studies degree at the correctional facility, consisting of 60 hours of college programming. Included in those hours are trade classes in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Carpentry, plus several business classes and electives such as Fundamentals of Sociology and Intro to Psychology.
“I am hearing very encouraging remarks from the residents in our classes, and we have a growing waitlist,” said Cindy Rowland, HCC education coordinator for the correctional facility. “We have met with our private industry employers who are supportive of working with us so the men can keep their jobs and attend school at the same time.”
Residents pay tuition to take classes and can receive support through U.S. Department of Education Second Chance Pell Grants.
]]>“Tommy brings to his new position within EDCF the insight and experience gained by serving in multiple roles at Hutchinson and El Dorado,” said Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Secretary of Corrections. “In addition, he has demonstrated thoughtful leadership and care for the welfare of our staff and our residents throughout his history with our agency.”
Williams began his career with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) in June 1984. His work assignments have included corrections officer and corrections specialist in the training department where he co-founded KDOC’s Defensive Tactics program. He has also served as an investigator for Enforcement Apprehension Investigations (EAI), corrections counselor and unit team manager.
He is an active member of the American Correctional Association and United States Deputy Wardens Association. While in Hutchinson, Williams served on the board for Sexual Assault Domestic Violence of Reno County and two terms as a commissioner for the Human Relations Commission of Hutchinson.
He is an alumnus of both Leadership Reno County and Kansas Leadership Center of Wichita. Williams teaches martial arts at the American Karate and Martial Science where he has been the chief instructor and owner for over 30 years. He is a three time inductee into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
The 1,955 bed El Dorado Correctional Facility opened in 1991 and was expanded in 1995 and 2001. The facility is designed for maximum- and medium-custody residents and to serve as the Reception and Diagnostic Unit (RDU) for all adult males sentenced to KDOC. In RDU, residents receive orientation and are assigned to a custody classification, appropriate programs and a permanent housing assignment.
]]>Local law enforcement, the Kansas Highway Patrol and KDOC officials collaborated in the search and arrest.
Sanchez is currently serving a sentence for convictions in Reno County for assault and battery of a law enforcement officer and fleeing/eluding local law enforcement.
The escape is currently being investigated. No additional information is available at this time.
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[Earlier Release]
TOPEKA, Kansas – Gabriel Sanchez Jr., Kansas Department of Corrections #0101860, has been placed on escape status from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility Minimum Custody South Unit. Local law enforcement and the Kansas Highway Patrol are aiding in the search.
Sanchez, a 29-year-old while male, has brown hair, brown eyes, is 6 feet 1 inch tall, and 254 pounds.
Sanchez is currently serving a sentence for convictions in Reno County for assault and battery of a law enforcement officer and fleeing/eluding local law enforcement.
Anyone with information on Sanches can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 316-265-5211, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.
The escape is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
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]]>The program matches a mentor with a resident (aka mentee) who is within six months of his or her release date. The mentor and mentee then continue this relationship for six months after release. Since 2011, KDOC's mentoring program has assisted close to 9,000 individuals.
There are any number of benefits that come from forming a strong relationship with someone in the community prior to release. The mentor becomes part of a critical support team in those early days following release. This can include helping to find items for basic needs, such toothbrushes/toothpaste, blankets/sheets, laundry baskets, toilet paper, cleaning products and dishes for those going into apartments.
For one individual released in early January, the care and consideration shown to him (selecting clothes in his size and delivering them to him, providing personal hygiene items, etc.) prompted a thank you to the mentoring staff and program coordinators. In a recent update to KDOC staff, Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda shared the message: “I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and bless you for what you’ve done for me it was a fantastic thing. I needed it all so bad. I just wanted you to know that my prayers and thoughts are with you today. Thank you.”
If you are interested in learning more about KDOC mentoring opportunities, please email KDOC_Pub@ks.gov or call (785) 296-3317.
]]>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:
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