Warden: We're working to improve safety at Topeka prison

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The Topeka Correctional Facility has increased security and added staff to prevent the sexual abuse of female inmates by corrections officers and other inmates, according to Warden Hope Cooper.

A federal investigation in 2012 confirmed state reports that sexual misconduct and abuse of inmates was rampant at the prison. On Jan. 9, the U.S. Department of Justice and the state announced a settlement that required several steps the prison must take in response to the allegations, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported (http://bit.ly/1ugQC8f ).

The settlement requires an independent monitor to oversee the reforms and issue a compliance report every six months. The state also must maintain adequate staffing levels supplemented by video monitoring, form a classification system for the prisoners and identify potential victims and predators. A grievance procedure that allows prisoners to privately report abuse along with procedures for investigations and staff accountability also are part of the settlement.

Cooper, who became warden after the Capital-Journal reported on a sex scandal involving staff members and inmates in 2009, said many of those changes had begun before the settlement was announced.

Having a woman leading the prison has helped resolve the problems, Cooper said, and the supervisor who will oversee implementation of the agreement between the Justice Department and state is also a woman.

"We have added females in some key positions," she said. "We have great staff here. They want to do what is best. We are going to keep moving forward. We continue to strive, to learn, to be the best."

The prison has formed a strategic plan and set high standards for inmates and staff members, Cooper said.

More than 300 securities cameras have been added to the prison, bringing the total to 449 compared with 120 in 2009. The prison also has added a video monitoring room and increased access to the cameras.

The prison now has 260 staff, with 179 corrections officers - an increase of 24 officers in the last two years, she said. The prison also is working to increase the number of female corrections officials.

That coincides with a higher prison population, from 550 inmates a day in October 2009 to an average of 750 a day.

The prison was found to be 100 percent compliant with the federally mandated Prison Rape Elimination Act, which protects inmates from rape and sexual misconduct, corrections department spokesman Jeremy Barclay said.

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Information from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com