criminal justice

Johnson County is adding two specialty courts that will focus on treating underlying conditions that may have contributed to criminal behavior, with the hope of reducing recidivism.

As Kansas City explores constructing a new municipal jail, prison experts say the city has an opportunity to take a different approach to crime. Kansas City has long used its municipal jail for those who violate city codes, but the vast majority of inmates are nonviolent offenders.

Overland Park Police Chief Frank Donchez suddenly resigned last week after nine years in the position. As it turns out, the city of Overland Park had already begun the process of firing Donchez before he resigned.

Over the course of a three-and-a-half year period, Kansas police have taken more than $25 million in property and cash believed to be part of a crime — even if the victims are never charged. But critics say that civil asset forfeiture is being used unnecessarily and without proper oversight.

Gabrielle Griffie was charged with disorderly conduct in Wichita after a 2020 protest. Her lawyers say that violates her First Amendment rights.

Police can take money, cars and other property from Kansans through a process called civil asset forfeiture. Police say it’s a tool that stops criminals. But opponents say law enforcement takes too much.

The policy comes more than a year after the Missouri Department of Corrections banned people from receiving paper mail in prison.

Johnny Johnson’s lawyers argued he was too mentally ill to understand the link between his crime and his punishment. But the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed, going against long-established precedent by allowing his execution to continue.

People in jail or prison can't keep up with technology. A program for inmates in Kansas and Missouri will help them learn job skills.

One former Lawrence Police Officer was charged with a crime after pinning his wife to the couch during an argument. He lost his job, but then found work at a jail.

People undergoing domestic abuse are more likely to lose their jobs. Fort Hays State University is trying to teach businesses how to change that.

Geary County Secure Care can be ‘the last hope for these youth.’ But others say the jail-like facility only makes things worse.