The Department of Corrections for Sedgwick County has changed its policies on the use of force and restraints on people who are in custody.
The policy will eliminate the use of a “Safe Clinch” maneuver that is no longer practiced. The changes will affect county corrections facilities and the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center.
The changes are a response to the September, 2021 in-custody death of 17-year-old Cedric Lofton after a struggle with staff at the JIAC. A community task force made a number of recommendations for the juvenile justice system after Lofton’s death.
The Team Justice juvenile advisory board gave approval to the policy changes in October, and Sedgwick County Commissioners gave their approval during their November 13th meeting.
