The Central Kansas Community Corrections program is set to implement significant upgrades to its facilities and operations following a year-end review, Barton County Commission Chairman Tricia Schlessiger announced Monday. The improvements, funded by year-end allocations, aim to enhance client experience and streamline staff efficiency.
Chairman Schlessiger, who represents District 4 and attended Monday's Central Kansas CKCC Advisory Board meeting, highlighted the planned enhancements. The agency covers the 20th Judicial District and includes Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Stafford counties
"Director Brooke Hallmark provided an insightful update to the Board on how they are utilizing their year-end funds," Schlessiger said. "These strategic purchases will greatly benefit both clients and staff."
Among the notable upgrades, the waiting room will receive two mini-split units to provide efficient heating and air conditioning, along with new window coverings and updated signage. A key addition will be a kiosk check-in system, which will allow clients to efficiently check in for appointments and directly notify their Intensive Supervision Officers (ISOs) of their arrival.
This new system is expected to significantly streamline the check-in process, freeing up staff to focus on other critical tasks.
Schlessiger acknowledged the program's ongoing efforts despite resource limitations. "Even while doing their best under the challenge of being underfunded by the Kansas Department of Corrections for at least two ISO positions, Community Corrections continues to make strides," she said.
In Kansas, Community Corrections programs are state-funded, county-controlled initiatives that offer alternatives to incarceration for adult offenders. These programs, a collaborative effort between the state's Department of Corrections and local counties, prioritize public safety through structured community supervision, offender accountability, and support for reintegration into society. ISOs are vital to the program's success, working directly with offenders to achieve these goals.