KS DOC - Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF)

State Prison

Last Updated: February 23, 2025
Address
1607 State St, Ellsworth, KS 67439
Beds
927
County
Ellswoth
Phone
785-472-5501
Fax
785-472-6365
Email
ECF.Information@ks.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 107, Ellsworth, KS 67439

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ECF is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Inmate Calling Solutions (ICSolutions), to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of KS DOC - Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF)

You can support your loved ones at ECF on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 785-472-5501.

Located at 1607 State St in Ellsworth, KS, ECF carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. ECF offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on KS DOC - Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison 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. 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.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches 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. Prisons and jails enforce 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.

Situated on a 69-acre site adjacent to the Ellsworth Municipal Airport, the ECF consists of the Central Unit, currently housing 832 multi-custody adult residents, and the East Unit, accommodating 95 minimum custody residents. ECF's mission prioritizes the safe and effective containment and supervision of residents while ensuring community, employee, and resident safety. Additionally, the facility strives to reduce crime and associated costs by offering residents opportunities for improvement through various correctional programming, faith-based activities, cognitive-based activities, and exposure to real-life skills. Effective staff-resident interaction is emphasized, and residents are encouraged to participate in facility-support and community-based work activities.

The overarching goal of ECF is to guide residents toward participation in programs and activities that best prepare them for release, thereby increasing their chances of successful reintegration into society. This approach not only positively impacts the lives of offenders but also extends to their families and communities.

In terms of historical milestones, the Department of Corrections began assessing offender fees in 1995, covering administrative fees for inmate trust fund management, sick call visits, and urinalysis testing. In 2000, the Kansas Legislature approved the construction of a 100-cell maximum security unit at ECF, initially intended for maximum-security inmates but utilized for medium-custody inmates due to increasing numbers.

In 2004, ECF's Spiritual Life Center was constructed with private donations to provide religious programs to inmates. Notably, in 2006, then-Senator Sam Brownback spent a night at ECF and met with inmates, coinciding with his contemplation of a presidential run in 2008. Finally, in 2012, the East Unit, a minimum-security unit, opened in Ellsworth, further increasing ECF's total operating capacity to 915 across the Central and East Units.

Education - The KDOC collaborates with Southeast Kansas Education Service Center for educational and vocational services, including certifications in manufacturing skills, welding, plumbing, and internet computing, along with GED and Work Ready instruction. Medical - ECF offers comprehensive medical services, including 24-hour nursing care, on-site physicians, and dentists, along with various ancillary services and chronic care clinics addressing pulmonary, diabetic, and cardiac needs. Mental health services at ECF encompass group counseling, individual therapy, psychiatric intervention, crisis management, and telepsychiatry, aiming to foster positive changes and address individual needs.

Inmate Responsibility and Accountability Model (RAM) Training - This 24-week therapeutic group focuses on behavioral cycles, cognitive errors, and problem-resolution techniques, aiming to support participants in applying tools to daily life and post-release situations. Religion - Chaplaincy services cater to various religious denominations, offering counseling, religious services, and Native American ceremonies, with a newly constructed Spiritual Life Center fostering spiritual growth. Reentry - CKRP aims to enhance inmates' chances of successful reintegration, offering programs in areas like job readiness, family transitions, transitional planning, financial management, and interventions, supported by community partnerships.

Bicycle Refurbishing Program - Inmates repair and refurbish bicycles, donated by various sources, which are then distributed to those in need within Kansas communities and beyond. Recreation - Inmates participate in recreational activities promoting physical and mental fitness, with access to gym and yard facilities seven days a week. Community Access Network (CAN), Inc. - CAN collaboratively develop online resources to address social issues, provide information on available services, and offer community statistics. Wheels for the World - This outreach program refurbishes wheelchairs and manufactures attachments for individuals with mobility challenges, with ECF's program providing technical support and training.

Library - The library offers a wide range of resources for inmates' recreational, educational, and legal needs, including books, newspapers, magazines, legal documents, and computer access.

Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services (CARES), Inc. - Inmates train puppies in basic obedience and socialization skills, with the dogs later placed with individuals facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges.
ECF offers various work assignments to inmates, aiming to develop work skills, positive behaviors, and on-the-job training to facilitate reintegration into society.

Inmate Locator

ECF maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Once a resident is eligible for visiting privileges, the resident is responsible for ensuring that his visitors receive the necessary paperwork to register as visitors. For more information, please review IMPP 10-113D: Offender Visitation.

Visitor Handbook

Holiday Visitation

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Frequently Asked Questions

KS DOC - Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) – FAQs

  1. What is a state prison?
      A state prison is a correctional facility operated by the Kansas Department of Corrections, housing individuals convicted of state crimes. Inmates typically serve sentences longer than one year. State prisons have different security levels and provide rehabilitation, education, and work programs.

  2. How do state prisons differ from federal prisons?
      State prisons hold offenders convicted of crimes under state laws, while federal prisons house those convicted of federal offenses. State prisons are managed by state DOCs and vary in policies, security levels, and resources. Federal prisons, run by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), often have more structured programs and uniform policies nationwide.

  3. What are the different security levels in state prisons?
      State prisons are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security, based on inmate risk assessments. Minimum-security facilities house non-violent offenders with lower risks. Medium-security prisons have higher security protocols and structured daily routines. Maximum-security prisons, or supermax facilities, house the most dangerous offenders with strict confinement measures.

  4. How are inmates classified in state prisons?
      Classification is based on criminal history, sentence length, behavior, and medical or mental health needs. The DOC assesses inmates upon intake to determine their housing assignment, work eligibility, and rehabilitative program access. Inmates may be reclassified based on behavior or security concerns.

  5. What types of programs are offered in state prisons?
      State prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, religious programs, and work release opportunities. Many prisons collaborate with colleges and trade schools to provide certificates in fields such as welding, plumbing, and computer technology.

  6. Can inmates earn early release from state prisons?
      Some inmates qualify for parole, good behavior credits, or sentence reduction programs. State laws determine eligibility based on offense type, institutional behavior, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Some states offer compassionate release for elderly or terminally ill inmates.

  7. How do state prisons handle medical care for inmates?
      Inmates receive basic medical, dental, and mental health care inside the facility. For specialized care, they may be transported to hospitals under security escort. State DOCs often contract with private healthcare providers such as Corizon Health, Wellpath, and Centurion Health.

  8. Are state prison inmates allowed to work?
      Yes, inmates can work within the prison (kitchen, janitorial, maintenance) or in prison industries (manufacturing, farming, sewing, furniture-making). Some states allow inmates to participate in work-release programs, where they work outside the prison and return at night. Inmate workers may earn small wages (often $0.10 to $2.00 per hour) depending on the job.

  9. What are the visitation rules for state prisons?
      Visitation varies by facility but generally requires pre-approval of visitors, background checks, dress codes, and scheduled visiting hours. Some prisons allow contact visits (where inmates and visitors can hug or hold hands), while others allow only non-contact visits (separated by glass). Video visitation services are provided by companies like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions.

  10. Can inmates receive mail and packages?
      Yes, inmates can receive letters, photos, and books, but all mail is screened for contraband. Some state prisons require mail to be sent through third-party processors, which convert letters into digital copies. Packages with clothing or hygiene items must often be ordered through approved vendors like Access Securepak, InmateCanteen, JailCanteeniCareGifts, MyCarePack or Union Supply Group.

  11. How do phone calls work in state prisons?
      Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers through prison phone services, but cannot receive calls. Calls are typically monitored and recorded. Services like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions provide prepaid accounts for families to deposit funds for calls. Some states offer tablet-based calls with limited messaging services.

  12. What are the disciplinary rules in state prisons?
      Inmates must follow prison regulations regarding behavior, movement, and interactions with staff and other inmates. Infractions like fighting, possession of contraband, or rule violations can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, or additional time added to their sentence.

  13. Do state prisons offer religious services?
      Yes, state prisons have chaplains and religious volunteers who provide services for various faiths. Many facilities offer Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and religious dietary accommodations for inmates who follow specific religious beliefs.

  14. How does parole work in state prisons?
      Inmates eligible for parole must appear before a parole board, which reviews their behavior, program participation, and risk to society. If granted parole, inmates serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community, following specific rules such as curfews and employment requirements.

  15. Can inmates transfer between state prisons?
      Yes, inmates may be transferred for medical needs, security risks, disciplinary actions, or administrative reasons. Some may request transfers to be closer to family, but approvals depend on facility capacity and eligibility requirements.

  16. What happens when an inmate finishes their sentence?
      Inmates released from state prison may receive reentry services, such as job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. Some states require certain inmates to remain under supervision (such as parole or probation) after release.

  17. Are state prisons overcrowded?
      Many states struggle with overcrowding due to high incarceration rates. Solutions include alternative sentencing programs, early release initiatives, and building new facilities to accommodate growing populations.

  18. How can family members send money to an inmate?
      Families can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account through services like JPay, ConnectNetwork, or  Access Corrections. Money is used for purchasing snacks, hygiene items, and phone calls. Some states have limits on how much an inmate can receive per month.

  19. Do state prisons offer educational opportunities?
      Yes, many prisons provide GED classes, college courses, and vocational training programs. Some offer Pell Grants for inmates to take college-level courses. Popular vocational programs include auto repair, HVAC, and culinary arts.

  20. Can inmates be placed in protective custody?
      Yes, inmates who are at risk of harm due to gang conflicts, former law enforcement ties, or other safety concerns can be placed in protective custody (PC). These inmates are housed separately from the general population, often with limited movement and privileges for their safety.

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