El Dorado Correctional Facility, El Dorado, Kansas
July 1, 2018
Prisoners smashed dozens of windows and set fires in an uprising that began after an altercation in the prison yard between a prisoner and guards. According to a spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections, between 75 and 150 prisoners participated in the uprising, which lasted 4 1/2 hours.
According to state union president Sarah LaFrenz, prisoners smashed about 40 windows, set fires in multiple classrooms and took over radio communication devices.
The uprising occurred amidst conditions of over-crowding and long-standing issues with under-staffing, with a staff shortage of 77 positions.
The uprising also followed just one year after two consecutive uprisings at the same prison the previous summer.
Citations:
“Prison officials say El Dorado inmates have surrendered after standoff Sunday“, The Wichita Eagle, July 1, 2018.
“Inmate disturbance cancels July 4 visitations at El Dorado CF“, KWCH 12, July 2, 2018.
“El Dorado prison standoff came amid dozens of vacant staff positions“, The Wichita Eagle, July 2, 2018.
Butler County Times-Gazette (@Augusta Daily Gazette), July 1, 2018. El Dorado Fire Fighters fight a blaze at the El Dorado Correctional Facility Sunday afternoon about 2 p.m. [Facebook Post]. Accessed November 14, 2018.
“Uprising At Kansas Prison Leaves Windows Broken, Building Burned“, KCUR, July 3, 2018.
Background/Update:
“El Dorado prison workers to begin 12-hour shifts amid staff shortage“, The Wichita Eagle, June 23, 2017.
“Uprising at El Dorado Correctional Facility, Kansas–Part 1“, Perilous, June 24, 2017.
“Uprising at El Dorado Correctional Facility, Kansas–Part 2“, Perilous, June 29, 2017.
“El Dorado prison disturbance resulted in fire, gang fight; led to second uprising”, The Topeka Capital Journal, November 1, 2017.
