The National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) proudly reports the success of our 25th JAILCON at the JAILCON26 Central Regional Conference, held at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel and Overland Park Convention Center in Kansas.Â
The conference sold out once again this year, with more than 400 corrections professionals from several states in attendance, including Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
DAY 0 - August 17, 2026
The day before the conference officially kicked off, our host agency, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, welcomed JAILCON attendees for an exclusive tour of the Johnson County Detention Center. Shuttle buses transported attendees to and from the facility, with a four-motorcycle, three-car escort leading the way with lights flashing. Attendees had the opportunity to tour Johnson County’s state-of-the-art detention facilities, including the Adult Detention Center at New Century, which is recognized for its efficiency, safety, and innovative design. It was a memorable way to kick off the conference and learn more about the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and its approach to detention operations.
DAY 1 - August 18, 2026
Our tradition is to begin each JAILCON with an Opening Session honoring our nation and those who serve. We were privileged to have the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard present our flag ceremony. Next, Executive Director Tate McCotter led all in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Crystal Herber of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office sang a moving rendition of the national anthem. Welcome remarks were then given by Sheriff Byron Roberson of Johnson County, KS, followed by Immediate Past President of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association, Sheriff Scott Braun, Ellis County, KS. Â
The Opening Session concluded with remarks from Tate McCotter, NIJO Executive Director, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of professional development, leadership, and collaboration within the corrections profession.
Following the Opening Session, participants attended four 90-minute breakout sessions, with five training topics offered during each time block. Led by nationally recognized corrections professionals, the sessions covered a wide range of legal, operational, leadership, and professional development topics. The training curriculum was designed to benefit corrections professionals at every level, from sheriffs and jail administrators to supervisors, detention officers, and civilian staff.
At the conclusion of the day’s training, attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, and instructors gathered for the Welcome Reception. The event provided an opportunity to network, reconnect with colleagues, and build new professional relationships while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. A highlight of the evening was a live performance by local Kansas City musician Kevin Coon.
DAY 2 - August 19, 2026
The second day of JAILCON is one that we always look forward to because we get to hear from our keynote speaker. This year, our keynote was Colonel Allison Black, also known as the “Angel of Death” for her role aboard an AC-130 gunship following 9/11. Allison is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with more than 30 years of service. Colonel Black brought a powerful perspective on leadership shaped by environments where decisions carried immediate operational, human, and organizational consequences. Attendees left her keynote session feeling energized and equipped with actionable tools to enhance communication, elevate performance, and lead confidently through pressure and disruption.
Following the Keynote Session, attendees had the opportunity to connect with vendors throughout the Exhibit Hall, where 61 corrections-specific vendors showcased their products, services, and resources. Colonel Black also joined attendees in the Exhibit Hall for a special Meet & Greet.
We extend our deepest appreciation to all of our vendors—and especially our sponsors—for their continued support of JAILCON and their commitment to the corrections profession.
The afternoon was spent in two more 90-minute training sessions. Topics ranged from “Searches and Contraband Control” and “Classification Issues” to “SWAT Leadership: How High-Performing Teams Make Decisions When Everything Is on the Line” and a two-part “Legal Issues and Updates” panel.
The highlight of the day—and for many, the highlight of the entire conference—was our annual Corrections Appreciation Night! We were honored to have the Black Hills-based rock cover band StereoTrip—featuring one of our very own, Rob Yantis, NIJO’s Policy & Operations Manager—provide the evening’s entertainment. StereoTrip played songs from Journey, Queen, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and more.
Everyone in attendance enjoyed three hours of incredible music, and judging by the dance floor, they could have kept playing for several more! Guests also enjoyed cornhole, a cash bar, and a 360° photo experience. A huge thank you to StereoTrip for helping make it such an unforgettable night and for giving everyone in attendance a night to remember!
DAY 3 - August 20, 2026
The final day of the conference offered three 1.25-hour training sessions. Topics from our third day of training included “Answering Grievances,” “The Ripping Chain of Events from Inmate Manipulation to Jail Gang Takeovers,” “Early Signs, Real Consequences: Managing Withdrawal Behind Bars,” “In-Custody Homicides: Legal Defense and Critical Evidence Preservation,” “Gang Issues in Today’s Jails: The Detention & Street Connection,” “Bridging the Gap: Using Jail Intelligence to Enhance Public Safety,” and “What You Do Matters: Lessons from the Holocaust.”
To end our conference, we hosted our annual Central Region Corrections Professionals Awards Ceremony and Luncheon, where correctional professionals and agencies from the Central Region are recognized for their dedication and excellence in the profession throughout their careers, and especially during the past year. Melissa Bjergo, Director of Partnerships and Agency Development at NIJO, and NIJO Executive Director Tate McCotter presented the JAILCON26 Awards on behalf of the National Institute for Jail Operations. You can read more about the awards and recipients here.
Once again, we’d like to thank all of the attendees, vendors, sponsors, and instructors for their contributions and participation at JAILCON this year. We are pleased to report another successful conference and look forward to seeing you again next year!
You may also be interested in JAILCON26 Central Region Corrections Professionals Awards Summary.
