Sedgwick County commissioners have given unanimous approval to a policy governing the use of force and restraints for the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center. The policy changes come from recommendations made by a community task force after the death of 17-year-old Cedric Lofton during a struggle with staff at JIAC in September, 2021.
Sedgwick County Corrections Director Steve Stonehouse said the policy calls for staff to place a juvenile in a holding cell and instead of holding him down in a prone position, close the cell and allow the youth to calm down. Staff should not use any position that covers the youth’s chest, and the prone position should be only used as a transition to a sitting or standing position. One staff member will be designated to conduct video and audio recording and keep time for any incidents involving restraint. Stonehouse said a third party will monitor the situation and make sure the youth is in good physical standing.
The policy also puts limitations on the use of prone restraint and only authorized holds and transitions from training will be allowed. There will also be an internal review on use of force incidents.
Stonehouse said the policy has already been put into effect at JIAC. The county will send the policy to the Kansas Department of Corrections for review and approval.
