Inmates spend more time in cells because of staff shortages

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Officials say staffing shortages have gotten so bad at one of Kansas’ largest prisons that inmates are spending more time confined to their cells. Kansas Department of Corrections spokesperson Carol Pitts said in an email that staffing is a problem across the prison system but that the “greatest challenge” is at the El Dorado Correctional Facility. The result is more cell time and less access to programs and activities. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the prison population has shrunk during the pandemic, and the agency has closed some housing units to reduce staff needs. The agency also has increased recruiting efforts.