TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Shawnee County Department of Corrections plans to open a new facility designed to address inmates\u2019 mental health.<\/p>\n
The department has seen up to 51% of its population facing serious mental challenges, according to Maj. Timothy Phelps, deputy director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a significant increase in the number of inmates who suffer from severe mental illness, and that isn\u2019t going to change,\u201d Phelps said. \u201cSo, what we have to do is change the way we approach management of this population because traditional correctional behaviors \u2014 or correctional controls \u2014 aren\u2019t good for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Facility design and capacity<\/p>\n
The unit will house 60 inmates across three floors, and is separate from the Shawnee County Jail. The facility also features a seven-color palette intended to reduce stress.<\/p>\n
Safety features include showers designed to lock from the outside to prevent other inmates from entering, while allowing inmates in crisis to exit on their own.<\/p>\n
Inmates will be screened for mental health or behavioral health when they arrive at the facility. Screening results will determine placement in the unit, according to Maj. Joe Rucker, deputy director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.<\/p>\n
Phelps said the department must recognize inmates as human beings entitled to care and resources that do not worsen their condition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the court\u2019s business; that\u2019s the law enforcement officer\u2019s business to identify when crimes are committed and put people in detention,\u201d Phelps said. \u201cOur business is to not harm them more when they\u2019re inside the jail, and when they get released, they\u2019re a better citizen.\u201d<\/p>\n
The first floor of the mental health facility will open in late August. The entire unit will be fully operational in 2027.<\/p>\n
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