by Randy Picking ~ Salina Post

The days of inmates receiving a furlough from the Saline County Jail for things like attending funerals for family members may be over.

Saline County Sheriff Glen Kochanowski says his office and Saline County District Court are in the process of changing the procedures of furloughs to be considered for inmates, following an incident where a Saline County Inmate furloughed to attend his mothers funeral did not return to jail on January 13th like he was suppose to.

Sheriff Kochanowski says that request for a furlough will go through the Sheriffs Office first and a review from the County Attorney’s office before a recommendation would be made to a judge to allow a furlough.

Scott Cordell was returned to the Saline County Jail Friday night after being found near Inman in McPherson County, where he may face charges that could include vehicle theft.

Kochanowski says it is unlikely that inmates will be furloughed from jail in the future.

The Sheriff said if an inmate requests a release, it might include a charge for security to go with the inmate that would have to be paid up front.

Kochanowski expressed concern that could put the safety of the officers at risk going to an area, they are not familiar with or what reaction to law enforcement would be from other people attending something like a funeral.

The Sheriff did say that if an inmate had a family member that was dying, and considering the charges they were in jail for, an officer could be sent with them for an unannounced visit.

Cordell had been in the Saline County Jail since November on charges of Failure to Appear on a drug case.