Overview of El Dorado Correctional Facility
El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) is a maximum-security prison located in El Dorado, Kansas. Established in 1991, it was built to ease overcrowding in other Kansas prisons. The facility houses over 1,500 adult male inmates, ranging from medium to maximum security, including death row inmates. EDCF also serves as the reception and diagnostic unit for all male inmates entering the Kansas Department of Corrections system, assessing them for security levels and treatment needs. The prison has become infamous for housing some of the state’s most notorious criminals, such as the “BTK Killer” Dennis Rader.
Contact Information for El Dorado Correctional Facility
- Address:
El Dorado Correctional Facility
1737 SE US Highway 54
P.O. Box 311
El Dorado, KS 67042 - Phone Number: (316) 321-7284
- Fax: (316) 322-2018
- Email: Contact through Kansas DOC
Visiting Information at El Dorado Correctional Facility
Visiting inmates at EDCF is an important part of maintaining relationships and aiding in inmate rehabilitation. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and provide valid identification upon arrival. Visits are typically scheduled based on housing units, with the following details applying:
- Visiting Days: Saturdays and Sundays
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (specific hours vary by unit)
- What to Bring: A valid ID and minimal personal belongings. Certain items like phones or cameras are prohibited.
- Duration: Visit times are typically 2-4 hours, depending on inmate status.
Visits must be scheduled in advance, and strict guidelines regarding attire, conduct, and items allowed in the visiting room are enforced to maintain safety and security.
How to Book a Visit at El Dorado Correctional Facility
To book a visit at El Dorado Correctional Facility, visitors must be approved and added to the inmate’s visitor list. You will need to provide:
- Inmate Name and ID Number
- Valid Identification (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID)
Once approved, visits can be scheduled by calling the facility’s visitor line at (316) 321-7284 or through the online scheduling system provided by the Kansas Department of Corrections. Up to four visitors can attend a single visit, including minors.
Directions and Parking Information for El Dorado Correctional Facility
El Dorado Correctional Facility is located just east of El Dorado in rural Butler County, Kansas. The facility can be reached via U.S. Highway 54.
- From Wichita: Take I-35 north to US-54 East and continue to the prison entrance.
- From Topeka: Take I-335 south to US-54 West.
Visitor parking is available on-site. Be sure to arrive early to pass through the security checks.
Life Inside El Dorado Correctional Facility and Latest News
Life inside El Dorado Correctional Facility is highly regimented and secure. Inmates are assigned to different housing units based on security level and behavior. The prison offers a variety of rehabilitative programs, including education, vocational training, and mental health services. Despite these offerings, the prison has faced scrutiny for staffing shortages and security concerns, which have led to inmate disturbances in recent years.
Recent expansions have brought the facility’s total capacity to over 1,500 inmates. The prison has also been the focus of discussions regarding the potential relocation of Kansas’ execution chamber from Lansing to El Dorado.
Famous Prisoners at El Dorado Correctional Facility
El Dorado Correctional Facility is known for housing several infamous criminals, including:
- Dennis Rader (BTK Killer): A notorious serial killer who murdered 10 people between 1974 and 1991.
- Reginald and Jonathan Carr: Convicted for a 2000 crime spree known as the Wichita Massacre.
- John Robinson: A serial killer and con man who used online chat rooms to lure his victims, known as the “Internet’s first serial killer.”
FAQs About El Dorado Correctional Facility
1. What type of prison is El Dorado Correctional Facility?
El Dorado Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison housing over 1,500 male inmates, including high-profile criminals and those on death row.
2. How can I contact El Dorado Correctional Facility?
You can contact the facility by phone at (316) 321-7284 or send mail to P.O. Box 311, El Dorado, KS 67042.
3. Can I visit an inmate at El Dorado Correctional Facility?
Yes, visitation is allowed but requires prior approval. Visits are held on weekends, and visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list.
4. How do I book a visit at El Dorado Correctional Facility?
Visits can be booked by calling the facility or through the Kansas Department of Corrections online scheduling system.
5. Are there any famous inmates at El Dorado Correctional Facility?
Yes, notable inmates include Dennis Rader (the BTK Killer) and the Carr brothers, involved in the Wichita Massacre.
6. What is life like for prisoners at El Dorado Correctional Facility?
Inmates at EDCF live in a highly secure environment with access to educational and rehabilitative programs. However, the prison has experienced issues with staffing and security in recent years.
7. What security level is El Dorado Correctional Facility?
EDCF is a maximum-security prison but also has medium-security units.
8. What are visiting hours at El Dorado Correctional Facility?
Visiting hours vary by housing unit, but most visits take place on weekends between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
9. How can I send money to an inmate at El Dorado Correctional Facility?
Money can be deposited into an inmate’s account through the Kansas Department of Corrections approved vendor system.
10. How do I find an inmate at El Dorado Correctional Facility?
You can search for an inmate using the Kansas Department of Corrections offender search tool.
Conclusion
El Dorado Correctional Facility plays a critical role in Kansas’ correctional system, housing some of the state’s most dangerous inmates. With robust security and rehabilitative programs, it aims to ensure public safety while preparing inmates for eventual reentry into society.
For more information, visit the Kansas Department of Corrections website.
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