Lansing Correctional Facility

Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) is Kansas’ largest and oldest correctional complex for adult male inmates. LCF has a capacity of 2,405, and the complex consists of the Central Unit (which includes an 11-acre maximum-security facility), a 46-acre medium-security facility, and the East Unit which is an 85-acre minimum-security facility.

LCF also houses one of two centers for the KDOC’s transportation system that provides for the movement of inmates among the state's correctional facilities.

Originally named the Kansas State Penitentiary (KSP) when the facility was authorized by the Kansas Constitution in 1859. The name was legislatively changed to the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) on June 18, 1990.

Executions of state, federal, and military prisoners were performed by hanging at KSP until 1965. When the death penalty was reinstated in Kansas in 1994, it was decided that executions would be performed by lethal injection. 

No executions have been conducted since it was reinstated. However, a lethal injection chamber was built in 2001.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting hours are 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. No visits will be processed after 2:00 p.m. 

The maximum-security general population rotate days (Saturday and Sunday) based on living unit. A1,B1,D,TRU,PC Units will visit on Saturday. A2,B2,C2,PC will visit on Sunday. These units will alternate each weekend and rotate on holidays. Non-Contact status will visit on day unit is assigned.

Minimum-security inmates have visiting either Saturday and/or Sunday from 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

NOTE: No visits will be processed after 11 a.m. for morning visits or 2:00 p.m. for afternoon visits. Any visitor who visits any hour in the morning will have it count as the inmate's half-day visit. For example, a visitor who arrives at 11 a.m. may not extend to the afternoon on the day that the inmate has half-day visiting privileges.

General Visiting Guidelines

Before you are allowed to visit, you must be on the offender’s approved visiting list. Application forms are sent to potential visitors by the offender. The application must be filled out completely and accurately and returned by mail to the facility’s visiting clerk along with any necessary supporting documents. 

The approval process can take up to five weeks. Applications for minor visitors must be accompanied by an original birth certificate. Birth certificates will be returned to the applicant once they have been verified. Applications from individuals who are not U.S. citizens must be accompanied by a photocopy of the individuals passport, visa, resident alien card, permanent resident card or employment authorization card. 

When you arrive for your visit you will be asked to produce a valid picture I.D. Any valid state or government issued photo ID is acceptable i.e. drivers license, passport etc. A birth certificate can be used for minors each time they are to visit. 

On arrival and departure from the facility, all visitors must sign the facility's visiting register. Visitors will be required to show ID upon arrival and departure.

All visitors are subject to search. Visitors who refuse the search may be subject to loss of visiting privileges.

All visitors must secure personal articles prior to being granted access to the visiting areas.

1. Visitors for the maximum, medium, and minimum security units must secure personal articles in the lockers provided in the Visitors Reception area.
2. Visitors who visit at the medium or LCF-East must secure personal items in their own vehicles if lockers are not available. Such visitors may retain their vehicle keys and required identification while in the visiting area.
3. Visitors may not return to their lockers after their visit has started. Visitors will not be allowed to leave the visiting room or reception to go to their vehicle unless they have authorization from the visiting officer in charge.

Vending machines are available in the visiting room.

Dress Code

All visitors must wear appropriate underwear under their outer garments. Males must wear briefs/boxers, and females must wear briefs (panties, underwear) and a brassiere (neither are to be part of other clothing being worn). 

Specific types of clothing considered inappropriate are: 

• see-through attire
• sleeveless shirts for men or women
• braless attire for women
• halter tops
• dresses and blouses with a revealing, low-cut neckline
• dresses/skirts split higher than the distal crease (the back of the knee); this also applies to dresses that are split on the side, and/or front or back
• shoeless attire for men or women
• hats or caps
• shorts for men or women that are tight fitting and worn above the distal crease of the knee
• holes in garment pockets
• leggings or excessively tight fitting pants (spandex; stretch or aerobic/exercise style clothing)
• jeans and/or slacks that are excessively tight fitting
• any type of shirt that exposes midriff
• tear away clothing items
• sagging pants 
• visible undergarments
• attire that promotes violence, illegal activities, or are of a sexual nature

The Kansas Department of Corrections also allows inbound and outbound electronic messaging with inmates from family and friends who have established an account at JPay.com.

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

​Programs For ​Inmates

Life Skills Enhancement Program

This program has two components: academic education and vocational training. Literacy and the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) programs are provided as well as vocational training programs such as commercial food service and welding. It also includes the employability program, which provides guidance on seeking employment, and is provided to all inmates enrolled in a program.

Therapeutic Community Program

This began in 1996 in the maximum-security unit under the direction of the Douglas County Citizens Committee on Alcoholism (DCCCA) of Lawrence. The program’s goal is to create a positive peer culture and facilitate overall lifestyle changes. Each inmate in the program is expected to leave the primary treatment program having acquired basic recovery skills.

Inmates assigned to this program are in the therapeutic community 24 hours a day. And, inmates  remain in the program for nine to twelve months, depending on the needs of each individual inmate.

Sex Offenders Treatment Program (SOTP) Program

This program is treatment for the male sex offenders in the Kansas Department of Corrections. SOTP is 20 hours per week for 18 months, and is contracted through DCCCA of Lawrence. The program’s goal is to habilitate inmates toward emotional health and successful transition back into the community; and it provides psycho-educational classes with group therapy and individual sessions.

Vehicle Maintenance

This program has a staff of ten inmate employees and two staff equipment mechanics who oversee the care of more than 100 vehicles. Maintenance includes everything from washing the vehicles to major overhauls and body work. Department employees are responsible for a large inventory of parts, supplies, and equipment.

Chaplaincy Department

This department oversees coordinating inmate religious support and coordinating volunteer services. Religious support is provided to a variety of faith groups which include many Christian denominations, Jewish, Islamic, Moorish Science, Native American, Bhuddist, Asatru, Thelemic, and Wiccan faith groups;

Activities

There are a variety of inmate activities at LCF, including individual health and fitness activities, arts and crafts, music groups, and inmate self-improvement groups. Normally led by volunteers from the greater Kansas City area, inmate groups meet a diverse array of inmate interests and needs, such as Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, African Awareness, El Chicano (Hispanic awareness), Jaycees, Lifer's Club, and several other organizations.

Pictures of Lansing Correctional Facility

Careers at Lansing Correctional Facility