KARL: Leavenworth...

KARL Class XII recently went to prison, and then learned that one individual can start a wave of change with a simple mentality.

In February Class XII headed to the far east part of the state to Leavenworth/Lansing to engage in the conflict management seminar. The highlights for me were the Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing, and the presentation by Holton superintendent, Dr. Davies.

Our trip to the prison was an eye-opening experience for most of the class. We were run through security first, but as we entered different wings of the yard we had to show our identification to a guard in a secure room through a window, and hold up our hands that were stamped with invisible ink. He would then check us off a list before the entire group was allowed to go through the large gates. Cumbersome at times with a large group, but necessary for all of our safety.



Our first view of the prison were the administrative offices where we met the warden, who has been in charge for over 30 years. He introduced us to a few other people who work with prisoners to help get them back into society once they were released, and discussed some of the programs that they offer. One of those programs is corporate partners who bring manufacturing to the yard. In this case, Impact Sports houses a facility in the prison yard that pays approximately $1.20 per day and it is the highest paying job the prisoners have access to. Other jobs pay just $.60 per day, and include working downtown in with the city, clearing trash, painting, and other odd jobs. These jobs are offered to the medium and minimum security prisoners.

The warden explained to us that prisoners do pay taxes on their small wages, and they also mandate a savings program so they will have funds to start life outside of prison. They are also given a small amount to keep so that they can purchase items in the prison store like snacks, or electronics. However, to receive the privilege of purchasing they must earn points, and those points dictate what type of items they are allowed to purchase. For example, an inmate can only purchase electronics if he is eligible and if involved in an incident in the yard the points are revoked, as is the electronics, and they start over. This incentive program has proven to be very successful.

Death by lethal injection was also discussed. Kansas used to use death by hanging, but the last time an inmate was executed by hanging was in 1966 in Lansing. They explained that Lansing does not necessarily house death row inmates, but the El Dorado facility houses many of those inmates. When they are to be executed they transport them to Lansing for death. The reason for this is the human connection that many corrections officers have to inmates. Many officers care for prisoners for years and naturally some sort of bond will form. The transport for death takes that connection out of the picture. We also learned that doctors do not administer the lethal injection, so the prison is tasked with finding someone certified to administer the drug. This can often be a challenge that is now added to the fact the cocktail used for lethal injection will be changing due to production.

We were taken into the maximum security cell blocks were shortly after we left a prison lock-down happened when a prisoner shanked another prisoner. Most of us looked around slightly uncertain of what was happening, but I have to admit I was pretty fascinated about how it all worked. We listened to prison dispatch, and the corrections officers over a hand-held radio our two guides (public information officer and case worker) had as they explained the entire process. Once the lock-down was lifted we headed to the medium and minimum security areas where we were exposed to upgraded living conditions, and another interesting program the prison participates in.

Prisoners rehabilitate dogs in Lansing to prepare them for adoption through the SHARP program, or Safe Haven Animal Rescue Program. A few of the living quarters include prisoners who each have a dog they are responsible for, meaning two men and two dogs live in each tiny cell. The case worker explained that although it's not meant as a therapy program, it often turns in to that when the prisoner feels that responsibility for another living thing.

As we left the prison we all had a much different outlook on how things operate on the inside. On Friday we got a good look out how the outside can work if just one person takes responsibility and vows to make life better for others. We heard from Dr. Davies, superintendent of the Holton School District. He was an inspiration, and to be honest I wish each Kansas district had a Dr. Davies. What is his philosophy? Teachers come first. Community is a close second. Dr. Davies is a former prison warden who went into the school system and says every administrator should either spend time in a prison (that got a little laugh), or time in a classroom. I couldn't agree more.

What Dr. Davies spoke about was the fact that his community is important, and the people in it are even more important. They help each other. They want to be involved, because he has instilled the mentality that "you get out what you put in."

I think we can take that message and apply it to much more than just our communities, we can apply it to our every day lives. Wake up each morning and ask yourself what am I going to get out of today, and what can I put into it to make a difference. Challenge yourself to be better, and make it better for someone else.