Sedgwick County Opens Day Reporting Center

Wichita, Kan. — In an effort to reduce jail overcrowding, officials in Sedgwick County, Kan., have selected BI Incorporated to operate a day reporting center.

The new center will house low-risk offenders, including those recommended by the court instead of incarceration and inmates nearing the end of their sentences, for 90 to 180 days. Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation and pretrial offenders may also be housed at the facility.

Offenders who are housed at the facility participate in a three-phase program that includes regular reporting to the center, treatment and training, and ongoing testing for drug and alcohol use. Offenders are assessed and placed at different levels of treatment according to their needs.

Some offenders may be outfitted with electronic monitoring devices. Group classes at the facility include GED preparation, anger management, life skills, employment skills, and substance abuse education and treatment, among others.

Before deciding to open the day reporting center, Sedgwick County officials created a master plan that was developed by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, an organization dedicated to helping jurisdictions identify problems and solutions.

The master plan acknowledged that the county constantly faces overcrowding, increased operational costs and recidivism problems. In addition to opening the day reporting center, the county plans to expand the county jail by 384 beds, establishing a mental health diversion program and DUI/drug court, expand pretrial services and create a work center.