NCJ Number
94344
Date Published
1983
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The fiscal year 1983 report for Kansas' Office of Ombudsman for Corrections describe the history and functions of this independent agency, summarizes its complaint handling services and recommendations for the year, and gives examples of complaints along with statistical data.
Abstract
The office was established by statute in 1975 and receives complaints from inmates, their families, correctional staff members and correctional volunteers. In 1983, the Ombudsman Office received 1,002 complaints and closed 983 cases, a 5-percent increase over 1982. Medical complaints were the most frequent in 1983, increasing almost 100 percent over the previous year. Records complaints were the second most frequent category. The Ombudsman issued a report in mid-1983 which recommended numerous changes in the grievance procedure, most of which the Secretary of Corrections responded to in a positive manner. Legislation was passed which granted the Ombudsman the Authority to administer oaths and take sworn testimony. A compromise bill was enacted which provided that the Ombudsman must be allowed access to correctional facilities at any reasonable time. The legislature also approved funding for upgrading the three professional positions in the Office. The report includes statistics showing complaints received by institution, race of inmate complaints compared to inmate population, complaints by category and disposition. The appendixes provide a glossary for complaint handling terms, a list of reports issued by the Ombudsman, and the text of the law establishing the Office.