WICHITA, KN - Sedgwick County selected BI Incorporated to operate its day reporting center (DRC) in Wichita in an effort to reduce overcrowding and incorporate research-based alternatives to detention. The center, which opened on July 10, will eventually handle up to 350 lower-risk offenders.

DRCs are seen as a way to alleviate jail overcrowding and to help develop a long-term strategy in reducing recidivism. Sedgwick will support municipal and district courts that refer a mix of participants. These include offenders referred to the DRC instead of incarceration; sentenced offenders who are serving the remainder of their sentences in the community; individuals who have violated probation; and pretrial defendants.
 
Offenders directed to Sedgwick will go through a three-phase program that includes regular reporting to the center, intensive treatment and training, and ongoing testing for drug and alcohol use.  Participants will be monitored closely with daily check-ins, advanced drug testing techniques, computerized data collection and intensive case management.

Some participants may be supervised with electronic monitoring, remote alcohol monitoring, or GPS tracking technology.

A criminal justice comprehensive master plan for Sedgwick acknowledged that the county was constantly facing jail overcrowding, rising costs and recidivism issues. In addition to opening the DRC, the county will expand its jail by 384 beds, establish a mental health diversion program and a drug/DUI court, expand pretrial services, and create a work center.

Sedgwick County DRC is open six days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.