Kansas Department of Corrections

06/23/2026

🎓 CELEBRATING SUCCESS AT TCF! 🎓
On Friday, May 22, KDOC celebrated the incredible achievements of 81 students at the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF). Through our partnership with Smoky Hill Education Service Center, Washburn Tech, and Washburn University, these graduates showed true dedication.
Here is what they accomplished:14 High School Diplomas 📜24 Industrial Production Tech Certificates 🛠️9 Business Technology Certificates 💻24 Associate of Liberal Studies Degrees 🎓10 Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degrees 🌟
Historic Milestones: First ever Bachelor’s degrees completed while incarcerated at TCF.31 out of 34 Washburn University students earned academic honors. Amber Bright graduated Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.70–3.90).Roxanne Dickerman graduated Summa Cum Laude (4.00 GPA) and was a Sibberson Award finalist!
7 Washburn Tech students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.
Thank you to the instructors, staff, and community partners who support Kansas Department of Corrections educational programs. Your support changes lives!

🎓 CELEBRATING SUCCESS AT TCF! 🎓On Friday, May 22, KDOC celebrated ...

06/22/2026

Each week, KDOC features a card from the first edition of the Kansas Cold Case Cards deck. We continue circulating these stories (including links to information, news coverage, and updates) in pursuit of justice for the victims involved. Today’s feature is Kolby Hopkins – the Two of Spades:

For additional information about this case:

KAKE – Cold case: Police, family of victim searching for answers in Old Town shooting
https://www.kake.com/story/38755921/cold-case-police-family-of-victim-searching-for-answers-in-old-town-shooting

06/22/2026

Teaser Alert:
Catch KDOC's Top Leaders on KTWU’s "Inspire"!

Two of the Kansas Department of Corrections' top administrators were recently profiled on the PBS station KTWU show "Inspire"—a program dedicated to women's issues, achievements, and lifestyles.

Featured Guests
Gloria Geither – Deputy Secretary of Facility Management
Megan Milner – Deputy Secretary of Adult and Juvenile Community Based Services

What They Discussed
In this special episode, Deputy Secretaries Geither and Milner share exclusive insights into:

Their personal career journeys navigating the field of corrections. The profound, day-to-day impact of their leadership and public service. Why corrections is a highly viable, rewarding career path for women today and in the future.

Tune-In Details
Air Date: Thursday, August 6th
Channel: KTWU (PBS)
Air Times: Exact broadcast times are being finalized. We will post specific updates as soon as they are released by the show's producers!

Don't miss this opportunity to support our leadership and learn more about the vital role women play in shaping modern corrections.

06/15/2026

Each week, KDOC features a card from the first edition of the Kansas Cold Case Cards deck. We continue circulating these stories (including links to information, news coverage, and updates) in pursuit of justice for the victims involved. Today’s feature is Valincio Hill – the Ace of Hearts:

News Story:
https://www.kake.com/story/48787811/2020-wpd-cold-case-investigators-stuck-on-valincio-hills-death-cite-lack-of-cooperation-is-hindering-an-arrests

Podcast:
https://thedeckpodcast.com/valincio-hill/

06/11/2026

Our partnership with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center has helped KDOC grow into one of the most progressive correctional agencies in the country! We’re truly grateful to Dene’ Mosier and her amazingly gifted team as they have improved families and family visits through their Play Free program in each of our facilities.

Our CEO, Dené Mosier, recently joined leaders from across the country at the Correctional Leaders Association conference to share the impact of our Play Free program here in Kansas, a partnership between the Kansas Children's Discovery Center and the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Play Free from the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is a play-based education program for children and their incarcerated parents (in some cases, grandparents). The program creates child-centered bonding time for families outside the prison walls, both at the museum itself and in community settings with the Discovery Center’s Mobile Museum.

During the conference, Dené had the opportunity to introduce the Play Free Field Accelerator and discuss how this innovative work can continue to grow and create positive change for families nationwide.

A warm thank you to Kansas Department of Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda for his leadership and commitment to strengthening outcomes for children and families in Kansas.

When organizations and agencies work together, we can create innovative solutions that help children thrive, strengthen family connections, and support brighter futures for families impacted by incarceration.

06/10/2026

For more than 25 years, a group of women have looked at the Topeka Correctional Facility as part of their mission field for their faith.
And for -8- weeks during the winter, they would gather at the prison, hold a short devotional, then play a basketball game against the ladies of TCF. But it's more than just a game, it's hope in action.

For more than 25 years, a group of women have looked at the Topeka ...

06/09/2026

For the last year, KDOC has featured a card a week from the first edition of the Kansas Cold Case Cards deck, with links to information, stories and news coverage. We’ve run through the deck but since these cases are still unsolved, we’ll be revisiting the cards again and including any new updates we have. Today’s feature is Ernie Ortiz, the Five of Hearts.

UPDATE in 2023, the U.S. Marshals Service, including our own KDOC Special Agent Supervisor Brandon Bansemer, working alongside the Garden City Police Department made an arrest in the cold case homicide of Ernie Ortiz. This is the first major development in our cold case deck and we are so appreciative of those continually working to solve these cases and bring justice to the families who are left waiting for answers.

https://www.kake.com/story/49601395/woman-arrested-suspected-of-cold-case-murder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUb_CubgM_o

https://www.kake.com/story/49611255/family-of-ernie-ortiz-speaks-out-on-arrest

06/08/2026

The Kansas Department of Corrections extends its deepest thanks to Goodwill Industries of Kansas, MERS Goodwill (MoKan), and Kansas Appleseed for their essential support in passing House Bill 2653! 🤝
This impactful legislation ensures that releasing residents are legally equipped with crucial identification and workforce documents—such as birth certificates, state IDs, and resumes—within nine months prior to their release.
95% of our current residents will one day return to our communities. Removing barriers to basic necessities like housing and employment through proper documentation is an immense win for public safety and successful reintegration.
Thank you to our dedicated community advocates for standing alongside us to build safer communities and a stronger Kansas! 🌻

06/03/2026

Working in corrections is both challenging and demanding. The profession carries significant responsibilities and often exposes staff to difficult, stressful, and emotionally taxing situations. While family members may not witness these experiences firsthand, you often feel their effects when the stress of the job follows your loved one home.

As we observe National Correctional Family Appreciation Week, June 1–7, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the vital role you play in supporting your loved one and our agency. Your encouragement, understanding, patience, and strength help provide stability and comfort during the difficult moments that can come with correctional work.

You are an essential part of your loved ones’ well-being and resilience. In many ways, your support also strengthens our entire agency. Our employees are our greatest asset, and the sacrifices made by their families do not go unnoticed. With deep appreciation and respect, we thank you for all that you do.

THANK YOU!

06/01/2026

Each week, KDOC features a card from the first edition of the Kansas Cold Case Cards deck. We continue circulating these stories (including links to information, news coverage, and updates) in pursuit of justice for the victims involved. Today’s feature is Cortenna Trigg, the Queen of Hearts: