Johnson County-New Century Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at New Century Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 913-715-5900.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The New Century Detention is a detention center located at 27745 W 159 New Century, KS which is operated locally by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Johnson County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, New Century Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Kansas here.

In response to the increasing demand for jail beds in the county, the Adult Detention Center at New Century was inaugurated in July 2000. Operating under the Direct Supervision model, the facility has achieved national acclaim for its operational efficiency, stringent safety standards, favorable work environment, and cost-effectiveness. It has been honored with prestigious accolades, including the 1996 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Kansas City Design Award of Merit and the 1997-1998 National AIA Architecture for Justice Design Citation.

In December 2009, the unveiling of Phase II at the New Century facility added 554 beds to the Johnson County jail system, raising its total capacity to 1081. Based on recommendations from the criminal justice consulting firm Carter, Goble, and Lee, the Olathe facility underwent extensive remodeling in January 2010. This renovation transformed it into a Centralized Booking and Pre-Classification Center, which reopened in August 2012 as the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office – Central Booking. The facility now serves as the central holding location for arrestees from all law enforcement agencies within Johnson County.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

The staff of the Detention Bureau, consisting of well-trained professionals, perform their duties with integrity, pride, and professionalism, despite the significant challenges associated with what is often described as "the toughest beat in America." Their steadfast commitment to the Sheriff’s Office motto of Duty-Honor-Service reflects their dedication to enhancing community safety and contributing to a better society for all.