TOPEKA—On Thursday, Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King and Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir met with Gov. Laura Kelly in Topeka about recent security issues at Larned State Hospital, according to a media release from Sheriff Bellendir.
The hospital has been the topic of conversation in law enforcement circles due to these security issues.
In addition to Gov. Kelly, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Secretary Laura Howard, Deputy Secretary Scott Bruner, Chief of Staff Will Lawrence and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor, Ryan Wright attended discussion.
Sec. Howard had previously been made aware of the concerns of law enforcement and community members in Western Kansas about the situation. Sec. Howard had made note of these concerns and presented several potential solutions.
Some of the key points include opening one or more “crisis houses” in the western part of the state that would allow for trained staff to monitor a person who is in crisis until the state hospital could accept them. The secretary is looking into the possibility of acquiring unused buildings at Larned State Hospital for this purpose.
Another idea would be to create a “single point of contact” for law enforcement. This would alleviate confusion caused by talking to several different people at the facility. Sec. Howard went on to say requirements for the “catchment areas” enforced by the state may be waived in certain circumstances.
The governor’s office is also looking into expanding the “mobile competency” evaluations for some individuals. This would help alleviate the backlog at Larned.
A security audit is currently underway at Larned State Hospital and improvements in security are being scrutinized. Sec. Howard said the state hospital will be allowed to implement the necessary procedures once they are developed.
In all, Sec. Howard addressed 12 key issues of concern to the citizens of Western Kansas. Gov. Kelly was supportive of the concerns expressed. The sheriffs felt the meeting was a positive step in the right direction.