MIAMI COUNTY, Kan. — Those who have always wondered what it would be like to spend a night in jail, now have an opportunity.
The Miami County Sheriff’s Office is hosting an overnight lock-in from 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday at its new jail.
It’s a way to show the community the new county jail as well as test all of the equipment, policies and procedures before actual inmates are moved from the county’s old jail across the street.
“We have trained in this facility already for the last several weeks with each other. Now, we are going to get to have some innocent bystanders, some civilians come in and test us,” said Undersheriff Wayne Minckley.
Though it’s voluntary, all participants are treated like inmates.
First, they’re “searched” and then their “mugshot” is taken. Their belongings are placed in a plastic bag. No cell phones or personal items are allowed in the jail.
“It was kind of odd to be putting on the jail uniforms,” said Lavonne Heth, who participated in the lock-in Friday night.
After booking, participants meet with an officer to determine their classification and what pod and cell they will be assigned to.
“When you really think about it, once you’re locked in the door in your cell in the pod, you’re not going anywhere. There’s no sawing bars or anything,” said Stanley Heth, Lavonne’s husband.
Beside showcasing the new facility and testing policies, the lock-in is also acting as a fundraiser. Before or after their jail experience, participants can make a donation to support the Miami County Crime Stoppers.
All participants will receive their “booking photo” as a keepsake.
The lock-in will continue until noon on Saturday. Anyone above the age of 18 is welcome to come and stay for however long they would like. Participants should report to the jail’s sallydoor.
