SECURITY

The Security Division, also known as the Operations Division, is headed by the Deputy Warden for Operations (DWO). This division is charged with the security, custody, and control of the inmate population in all 4 security perimeters of the facility. The mission of the division is to protect the public through the prevention of escapes, disturbances, and riots. This is accomplished by maintaining 535 security staff. The Major is the highest ranking uniformed officer (Shift security staff comprise the majority of the operations personnel). These staff serve as the backbone of the facility in that the supervisors and line staff provide the security and continuous coverage in the 24 hour operation of the facility. There are 67 security posts which are staffed 24 hours a day. LCF's Special Operations and Response (SORT) team is made up of volunteers from the various shifts. This team may only be activated upon the order of the Warden. The team, which is under the direction of the Major, is designed and trained to respond to emergency situations, i.e., escapes, riot and hostage situations, forced cell moves, use of restraints, fire control, and use of chemical agents. Members of the team shall be in good physical condition and are required to pass the KDOC Physical Fitness Test two times a year with a minimum score of 80%.

The Special Security team is comprised of two Shakedown teams and a Transportation Unit. The Special Security team is supervised by the Major. The two Shakedown teams are comprised of 13 officers on each team. A Corrections Specialist I is charged with the supervision of each team. Members of these teams must meet the same physical criteria as the members of the SORT team. The shifts of these teams overlap during the period of the day in which the most activity occurs to provide the best security coverage possible. Their primary responsibility is conducting routine and random searches in an effort to thwart escape attempts, confiscate dangerous contraband items, etc. Intelligence gathering is also a significant part of their mission. The Transportation Unit is staffed by 14 officers. These officers have been specially trained in methods of transporting inmates outside the secure perimeter of the compound. This unit is responsible for transporting inmates for interfacility transfers, parole violator pick-ups, medical appointments at outside medical facilities, and both civil and criminal court hearings. When the officers are not on a trip, they assist with escorting inmates within the facility. The Intelligence and Investigation Unit (I&I) is staffed by four officers responsible for serious incident investigations and intelligence gathering, in an attempt to keep a finger on the pulse of the facility. A lieutenant supervises the day-to-day operations of this unit.