Lyon County KS Detention Center

Maintaining and operating the Lyon County Detention Center is a statutory obligation of the Sheriff, who is required to detain individuals for all felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the Lyon County District Court. To fulfill this mandate, the Lyon County Sheriff oversees a 163-bed adult Detention Center.

Staffing the Detention Center are 40 detention officers, a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, and five cooks, all dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the inmates. The responsibilities of the detention staff encompass a broad range of critical functions essential to the facility's operations and the effective management of inmate populations.

Detention officers are tasked with processing inmates both into and out of the facility, a duty that includes booking procedures, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements. They also handle the transportation of inmates to court appearances and to the Kansas Department of Corrections, ensuring secure and orderly transit.

Public and inmate safety within the detention center is a primary responsibility, involving the supervision of inmates, monitoring of inmate activities, and intervention in incidents to maintain order. Detention staff manage daily operational tasks such as laundry services, where inmate clothing and bedding are regularly cleaned, and coordinating meal calls to ensure that all inmates receive their scheduled meals prepared by the facility’s cooks.

The Detention Center supports several programs aimed at rehabilitation and providing opportunities for inmates. This includes the work and school release programs, which allow eligible inmates to maintain employment or attend educational programs while serving their sentences. The job search program assists inmates nearing release in finding employment, preparing them for reintegration into the community. Additionally, the confined inmate worker (trustee) program assigns inmates to various labor tasks within the facility, promoting responsibility and work ethic.

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.

Inmate labor details further extend to maintaining facility cleanliness and supporting operational needs, providing inmates with productive activities and contributing to the facility’s upkeep. Through these responsibilities, the detention staff play a vital role in the daily functions of the Lyon County Detention Center, upholding the mission to ensure a secure and humane environment for all inmates.