Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) is a state prison in Kansas that houses adult male residents. The facility has four custody levels: maximum, special management, medium, and minimum.
The prison can house up to 1,784 residents, who are accommodated in the main-custody compound within the walled portion of the HCF, a minimum-security unit located outside the walls, and a few other units. The facility provides various programs and services to its residents, including education, reentry, and inmate clubs and opportunities.
Since 2001, HCF residents have been participating in the Wild Horse Program, which is a collaboration between the facility and the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The program aims to alleviate the over-population of wild horses on federal lands in the western United States. HCF residents help train the wild horses, which are then adopted by individuals and organizations across the country. The program has been successful in providing residents with vocational training and skills, as well as helping to solve a pressing environmental issue.
Visiting an inmate at HCF can be a complicated process, and visitors are advised to review the facility’s visiting policies and procedures thoroughly. Once an inmate is eligible for visiting privileges, he is responsible for ensuring that his visitors receive the necessary paperwork to register as visitors. The facility has strict rules and regulations regarding what visitors can bring into the prison, and visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with these rules before visiting.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,784 |
| Physical Address | 500 Reformatory St. Hutchinson, KS 67504-1568 |
| Mailing Address | 500 Reformatory St. Hutchinson, KS 67504-1568 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (620) 662-2321 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Hutchinson Correctional Facility is a state prison located in Hutchinson, Kansas, and is operated by the Kansas Department of Corrections. It is the second-largest facility for adult male residents in the state and has a capacity of 1,784 inmates. The facility houses four custody levels: maximum, special management, medium, and minimum.
HCF’s main-custody compound is within the walled portion of the facility, and a minimum-security unit is located outside the walls. The facility also has programs and services available for inmates, including education, reentry, Freedom Challenge, inmate clubs and opportunities, and the Wild Horses program.
The history of HCF dates back to 1895 when a 50-man brick cell house was completed, and the first 30 inmates were transferred from the Kansas State Penitentiary. The first cell house was constructed of Hutchinson brick, which was made from clay dug out of the banks of the Arkansas River.
As with any prison, staffing levels are crucial to maintaining safety and security. HCF has a warden and a staff of correctional officers, medical personnel, and other support staff. The facility also has a number of security measures in place, including controlled movement, surveillance cameras, and a perimeter fence.
Overall, Hutchinson Correctional Facility is an important part of the facilities of the Kansas Department of Corrections and plays a vital role in the state’s criminal justice system.
History
Hutchinson Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison located in Hutchinson, Kansas. It was established in 1986 and has a capacity of 1,784 inmates. The facility is operated by the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) and is responsible for the custody and care of male inmates.
The history of HCF dates back to the 1800s when the site was used as a reformatory for boys. In the 1970s, the facility was transformed into a prison for adult males. Since then, it has undergone several renovations and expansions to meet the growing demand for correctional services in the state.
In recent years, HCF has been involved in several initiatives aimed at rehabilitating inmates and promoting public safety. One such initiative is the Kansas Wild Horse Program, which was launched in 2016 in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. The program involves training wild horses and burros that have been removed from public lands and preparing them for adoption.
HCF has been actively involved in the program, providing inmates with the opportunity to learn new skills and work with animals. The program has been successful in reducing recidivism rates among inmates and providing homes for wild horses.
Overall, HCF has a rich history that reflects the changing landscape of corrections in Kansas. From its origins as a reformatory for boys to its current role as a modern correctional facility, HCF has played an important role in promoting public safety and helping inmates turn their lives around.
Inmate Programs
Hutchinson Correctional Facility offers various programs and services to inmates to help them prepare for re-entry into society. These programs aim to equip inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead successful lives upon release.
Education and Vocational Training
Inmates at HCF have access to a range of educational courses, including GED preparation classes and vocational training programs. These programs are designed to help inmates develop marketable skills that can help them secure employment upon release.
One such program is the Electrical Wiring Technology (EWT) program, which provides inmates with the opportunity to learn the skills needed to become an electrician. The program is certified by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Mental Health Services
HCF provides mental health services to inmates who require them. These services include individual and group therapy sessions, medication management, and crisis intervention. The facility also has a specialized mental health unit for inmates who require more intensive care.
Inmate Clubs and Opportunities
Inmates at HCF can participate in a range of clubs and activities, including Toastmasters, a chess club, and a book club. These clubs provide inmates with opportunities to socialize, develop new skills, and engage in productive activities.
Carpentry Program
HCF has a carpentry program that provides inmates with the opportunity to learn carpentry skills. The program consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on training and teaches inmates how to build and repair furniture, as well as other carpentry skills.
Entrepreneurship Foundations Training (EFT)
HCF offers an Entrepreneurship Foundations Training (EFT) program that teaches inmates how to start and run their own businesses. The program covers topics such as business planning, marketing, and financial management.
Overall, HCF provides a range of programs and services to inmates to help them prepare for life after release. These programs aim to equip inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to lead successful lives and contribute positively to society.
Security and Custody
Hutchinson Correctional Facility has four custody levels: maximum, special management, medium, and minimum. The facility’s main-custody compound is located within the walled portion of the HCF, while a minimum-security unit is located outside the walls, and a medium-security unit is located inside the walls.
The maximum custody unit at HCF is reserved for the most dangerous inmates who are considered a threat to the safety of other inmates and staff members. Inmates in maximum custody are confined to their cells for most of the day and are only allowed limited time outside for exercise and showers. They are also subject to strict security measures, including regular searches of their cells and personal property.
Segregation is another security measure used at HCF. Inmates who pose a threat to other inmates or staff members may be placed in segregation for a period of time as a disciplinary measure or for their own safety. Inmates in segregation are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day and are only allowed out for one hour of exercise.
The warden of HCF is responsible for overseeing the facility’s security and custody operations. The warden is assisted by a team of correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining order and discipline within the facility. Correctional officers are trained in security procedures, self-defense, and crisis intervention techniques to ensure the safety of all inmates and staff members.
Inmates at HCF are subject to a strict set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and discipline within the facility. Inmates who violate these rules may face disciplinary action, including loss of privileges, segregation, or transfer to a higher security facility.
Overall, the security and custody operations at HCF are designed to ensure the safety of all inmates and staff members while maintaining order and discipline within the facility.
Release and Reentry
When an inmate is nearing their release date from Hutchinson Correctional Facility, they are provided with a reentry plan to help them transition back into society. The plan includes access to various programs and services to ensure a successful reentry.
Release Date
The release date for an inmate is determined by the Kansas Department of Corrections and is based on several factors, including the length of their sentence and their behavior while incarcerated. Inmates are typically released to a designated release site, which can be a family member’s home or a halfway house.
Care
Upon release, inmates are provided with a variety of services to help them transition back into society. These services include access to healthcare, job training, and education programs. Inmates may also be eligible for financial assistance and housing support.
Trial
For inmates who are still awaiting trial, the facility offers a pre-trial release program. This program allows eligible inmates to be released from custody while awaiting trial, provided they meet certain criteria and comply with the conditions of their release.
Overall, Hutchinson Correctional Facility is committed to providing inmates with the tools and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. Through its reentry programs and services, the facility aims to reduce recidivism and promote public safety.
Visitation and Communication
Visitation at Hutchinson Correctional Facility is an important aspect of maintaining family and community ties for inmates. The facility allows in-person visitation, which resumed in March 2021, after being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations set forth by the facility to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.
To visit an inmate at HCF, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. The inmate is responsible for ensuring that his visitors receive the necessary paperwork to register as visitors. Visitors must arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to complete the check-in process. Visitors must also bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
The visitation schedule can be found here.
During visitation, visitors and inmates are separated by a plexiglass barrier to prevent physical contact. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visitation area, including cell phones, purses, or bags. Visitors are also subject to search before and after the visit.
Communication between inmates and their loved ones is important for maintaining relationships and reducing recidivism. Inmates at HCF have access to a variety of communication options, including phone calls, mail, and email. Inmates can make collect calls to approved phone numbers, and they can purchase phone cards using funds from their inmate account. Visitors can also deposit money into an inmate’s account using a money order or a check.
Inmates at HCF can send and receive mail, subject to certain restrictions. Incoming mail must be addressed to the inmate and include the inmate’s full name and identification number. Outgoing mail must be sent through the facility’s mail system and must not contain any prohibited items, such as drugs, weapons, or sexually explicit material.
Overall, HCF strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for inmates, staff, and visitors while also allowing for meaningful visitation and communication between inmates and their loved ones.