Robert Lamkey, public safety director
Criminal Justice System in Sedgwick County
The criminal justice system in Sedgwick County seeks to
provide an efficient and just avenue to law and order. The system is complex
and incorporates many moving parts and entities that must work together to
achieve the greater goal of public safety.
The criminal justice system affects all Sedgwick County residents. Sedgwick County is responsible for building and maintaining an effective system that keeps offenders off the streets and brings them to justice in a timely manner. In this effort, we seek to streamline all components of the system, search for efficiencies and work to eliminate waste.
This site is designed to provide residents with a better understanding of how the Sedgwick County criminal justice system is working for you. Here, you'll find information about jail population trends, inmates and mental illness, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, alternative programs and helpful resources.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Sedgwick County is struggling to manage an ever-increasing demand for jail beds. Among the many reasons for an increase in jail population are new laws, more stringent sentencing guidelines, mandatory sentences, greater investment in law enforcement, effective prosecution and forensic science resources. Many of these changes were wrought by an increase in serious crime, more public outrage at crimes like DUI and domestic violence, and the crimes and fear of emerging gangs.
A study completed in 2003 revealed that the jail population would continue to grow at a rate that would require another expansion, unless alternatives to jail were created.
Thus, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) was formed in 2004 to find efficiencies in the criminal justice system and develop and implement alternative programs designed to reduce recidivism, and provide adequate, well-run facilities.
Learn more about the CJCC including members, by laws, master plans and meeting minutes.
Learn more about alternative programs at work in Sedgwick County's criminal justice system.
2011 Legislative Issues of Interest
There are many legislative issues of interest to Sedgwick County; among them are matters concerning:
- Felons sentenced to county jails
- Work release
- DUI commission sentencing recommendations
- "Good time" credits
Legislative issues update, January 2011
Legislative issues update, February 2011
Legislative issues update, March 2011
Legislative issues update, April 2011
Legislative issues update, May 2011
"Good-time" credit update, January 2011
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