Kansas Department of Corrections

10/14/2026

KDOC loves that Krystal Lowe's story is coming full circle.

To know that reintegration with her son is going to take place, is putting a bow on the huge package that so many at Topeka Correctional Facility, Central Office, and the Education Department have had a small part of building with her.

Congratulations to Kyrstal!!
Her story is why we do what we do! 😊

For incarcerated parents, maintaining relationships with their chil...

10/13/2026

From the classroom to the open road!

This past summer, 7 residents within the Kansas Department of Corrections traded their standard routines to hit the books, working hard to earn their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) ahead of their release.

Thanks to their incredible dedication, 5 of the 7 residents passed the Kansas State CDL exam! Even better? One of those graduates has already successfully reentered the workforce with a job lined up right after release.

When we invest in real-world skills, we build safer communities and stronger futures. Check out the video below to hear from the instructors and residents who are paving a new path forward!

10/07/2026

Through the partnership of the Kansas Children's Discovery Center and the Kansas Department of Corrections, the innovative "Play Free" program has officially become a leading national model for correctional family engagement.

Last week, KCDC hosted children's museum and correctional workers from ten different states who traveled to Kansas to study our operations and learn how to duplicate the Play Free program within their own facilities.

We owe an immense debt of gratitude to Dené Mosier, President and CEO of KCDC, and her entire dedicated team. Their vision and unwavering support have allowed us to achieve what many thought wasn't possible.

Through the partnership of the Kansas Children's Discovery Center a...

10/01/2026

Dene’ Mosier had a vision of improving children’s experiences while visiting their incarcerated parent(s) in Kansas.

The President and CEO of the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center approached the leadership of the Topeka Correctional Facility in 2018 with her vision. Since then, a passion to fulfill that idea has grown into an inferno. By next year, all Kansas prisons will have child-centered visitation areas.

Our model was shared with ten different state correctional systems over the past two days. A documentary on the Play Free program was premiered last night and the response was proof that the vision will be carried out across the country! (Documentary will be shared at a future date)

Thank you, Dene’!
Thank you, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center Team!
Thank you, KDOC Team for helping to carry the torch!

09/25/2026

Nothing says "thank you" quite like a Friday morning breakfast. 🥞

The Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Central Office, in partnership with the Employee Engagement Committee, celebrating central office staff to a morning pancake feed fundraiser this morning!

Our team works tirelessly to support our agency's mission, and this is a small token of our appreciation for their dedication. Great way to kickoff the weekend with some tasty breakfast, and connecting with your fellow team members!

09/21/2026

Each week, KDOC features a card from the first edition of the Kansas Cold Case Cards deck. We continue circulating these stories (including links to information, news coverage, and updates) in pursuit of justice for the victims involved. Today’s feature is Charles Thompson:

KBI Most wanted:

https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/mostwanted/mw_CThompson.shtml

https://fox4kc.com/news/35-years-later-murder-of-wyandotte-county-democratic-leader-remains-unsolved/

09/17/2026

Collaborating for a safer, stronger future in corrections. 🤝

The Kansas Department of Corrections was proud to host the 77th Annual West Central Wardens and Superintendents Association Conference this week in Olathe!

Correctional leaders from North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kansas gathered to share best practices and discuss the unique challenges facing our profession today.

A massive thank you to Warden Tim Easley (Larned State Correctional Facility), his planning team, and the Ellsworth Correctional Facility Color Guard for putting on an exceptional and memorable event.

Our greatest asset is our staff. To ensure our teams are supported, safe, and equipped to succeed, agencies across the nation are focusing on 5 core pillars highlighted at the conference:

Staff Mental Health & Wellness: Expanding peer support and combatting burnout.

Restorative Justice: Shifting culture toward rehabilitation and successful re-entry.

Population Management: Utilizing legal mechanisms and rehabilitation credits to reward positive growth.

Reducing Overcrowding: Proactively reviewing protocols to maintain a safe environment.

High-Tech Infrastructure: Modernizing facilities to maximize safety and efficiency.

Thank you to everyone involved for your dedication to moving our correctional systems forward!

09/16/2026

Thank you, Randall Liberty for being a great example of civil service!

09/15/2026

"Built From The Bricks Up" is back! 🧱✨

Year two at the Topeka Correctional Facility took things to a whole new level. Last year, the residents laid the groundwork by tackling domestic violence and finding paths to healing. This year, the focus expanded to total mind, body, and spirit wellness.

Watch how the 2026 conference brought health education, overall wellness, and some well-deserved joy through beauty tips, manicures, pedicures, and makeup. Healing isn't just a process—it's a transformation.

Check out the highlights now! 💅🏽💄❤️

09/14/2026

Each week, KDOC features a card from the first edition of the Kansas Cold Case Cards deck. We continue circulating these stories (including links to information, news coverage, and updates) in pursuit of justice for the victims involved. Today’s feature is Gary Leo Nelson – the Three of Spades:

News Stories:


NEW! https://www.kwch.com/2026/07/20/new-information-evidence-reignite-mitchell-county-cold-case/

NEW! https://www.ksn.com/news/crime/kbi-new-homicide-evidence/

https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/30/kansas-cold-cases-gary-leo-nelson/

https://www.kwch.com/2022/05/27/cold-case-project-renews-hope-family-beloit-murder-victim/

Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-of-spades-gary-leo-nelson-ks-deck/id1504742935?i=1000568393131