Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI)

Great teamwork today between Hutchinson Police, the Hutchinson Fire Department, Special Agents of the Kansas State Fire Marshal, Sedgwick County Fire Departments Accelerant Detection Canine, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Crime Scene Team! Many agencies- one goal!

Join us as we pray for the souls aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 and the U.S. Army helicopter that collided over Washington, D.C. last night. Families from Wichita, and across our nation, learned the most devastating news imaginable, and we will support them during this tragic time. We are grateful to all the first responders that worked tirelessly through the night to locate any survivors, and who continue to recover those loved ones not yet accounted for.

164 years ago, Kansas officially joined the Union, making it the 34th state. The heart of the Midwest, Kansas boasts open prairies, picturesque sunsets and abundant wildlife. Yet, what makes Kansas so unique is its friendly and resilient people. As the law enforcement agency founded to increase safety all across Kansas, we are proud to celebrate our beautiful state. Happy Kansas Day! ? #AdAstraPerAspera ??

Parents and teachers in Kansas: remember to help your Kansas 5th grade students enter the 42nd Annual National Missing Person’s Contest! ?? Students across Kansas are encouraged to create and submit a poster on 8 ? x 14 inch paper that uses the words “Bring our Missing Children Home” and illustrating that theme. You may use pencil, paint, markers, crayons, or other art mediums. See full contest rules and fill out the application here: https://lnkd.in/enDXEbHF ???

Yesterday, Director Mattivi spoke at a luncheon hosted by the Wichita Metro Crime Commission, Inc. The organization’s mission to support law enforcement aligns with the KBI’s mission to keep communities across Kansas safe, and we appreciate all they do. Director Mattivi discussed the negative impacts of legalizing marijuana such as increased violence, and its potential harm to mental and physical health. The implications of legalizing cannabis must be carefully considered. We thank the Wichita Metro Crime Commission for the opportunity to speak on the issue.

Last week, the KBI Wellness Unit hosted a Wellness In-Service for all personnel. In law enforcement and public service, prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional well-being is crucial. Over two days, we explored vital topics such as suicide awareness, leadership, emotional intelligence, and overcoming adversity. This training empowers our agent and civilian staff to navigate the challenges of their roles and build resilience. ? We are incredibly grateful to the inspiring speakers who shared their stories of perseverance and hope with the KBI. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to the KBI Wellness Unit for their dedication to fostering a culture of well-being in our organization. By prioritizing the holistic well-being of our staff, we ensure they are equipped to safely serve our community with compassion.

?? Today is National AMBER Alert Awareness Day ?? AMBER Alerts save lives. Public awareness is key to the success of the AMBER Alert program. By staying informed and knowing how to respond, you can significantly increase the chances of locating a missing child. The AMBER Alert program, named after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, was established in 1996. Kansas implemented an AMBER Alert plan in 2002 under the Kansas Attorney General. Since the program began, 1,221 children have been safely recovered nationwide, including 76 in Kansas. Every second counts when a child goes missing, and the KBI is proud to share it has recently made significant improvements to its AMBER Alert process. Starting October 2024, Kansas became an alerting authority, adding software that allows KBI to directly connect with FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning System. These improvements streamline the alerting process and increase the chances of recovering a missing child.? Learn more and join the email list to get real-time alert updates at https://lnkd.in/gmqT3cun Follow on X/Twitter @ksamberalert https://lnkd.in/d8j7GGY

?? Former Burlington High School coach sentenced for sexual abuse A 32-year-old former Burlington High School teacher and wrestling coach was sentenced Thursday in Coffey County District Court related to the sexual abuse of two teens. At a sentencing hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, a judge sentenced Michael Vander Linden, of Burlington, to 36 months in prison and lifetime registration as a registered offender for three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Coffey County Attorney Wade Bowie prosecuted the case. On Oct. 31, 2024, Michael Vander Linden pleaded no contest to the three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. The remaining charges were dismissed. On Feb. 13, 2024, KBI agents obtained an arrest warrant and took Vander Linden into custody after two former students reported he had engaged in sexual intercourse with them between 2012 and 2013. Both were 15-years-old at the time. Following the hearing, Vander Linden was remanded to the custody of the Coffey County Sheriff’s Office where he will be transferred to the Kansas Department of Corrections to fulfill his sentence.

January 9th is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! ??♀???♂? The KBI is proud to serve alongside the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our Kansas communities safe. Being a law enforcement officer is a demanding job that requires immense courage and often involves personal sacrifice. We hope you will celebrate with us today by showing your appreciation to the law enforcement professionals in your community. #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay #LEAD2025

While temperatures drop, excitement only rises for our K-9s! From curiosity about the fluffy white stuff to diving head first in the snow, it’s easy to see that our K-9 partners are enjoying this weather.