Welcome to the new website for the Lyon County Sheriff's Office.

For Emergencies Dial 911

Main: (620) 341-3205

425 Mechanic
Emporia, KS 66801

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs


How can I get a copy of an accident report?

Send $5 with your written request to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, 425 Mechanic, Emporia, KS 66801.

How can I get a copy of an incident report?

Send $5 with your written request to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, 425 Mechanic, Emporia, KS 66801.

When I go on vacation, will the Sheriff’s Office check my home?

Yes. Call 620-342-5545 and ask for a “property check”.

How do I get a concealed carry license

Complete the form on the Attorney General’s Website and bring the Certificate of Completed Training to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office located at 425 Mechanic, Emporia, KS 66801.

Where do I get information on sex offenders?

To get more information on sex and drug offenders in Lyon County, Kansas, visit the webpage at: http://www.kansas.gov/kbi/ro.shtml.

When can registered offenders update their information with the Sheriff’s Office?

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office will only be available to complete Offender Registration Updates and Change of Information Forms by appointment. Please call the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Phone Number: 620-342-5545 to make an appointment.

Do you accept stuffed animals?

Due to the overwhelming response by the public the Sheriff’s Office is not accepting bears at this time.

Jail FAQs


How do I send an inmate mail?

Only letters sent by U.S. Mail will be accepted by the jail. No hand-delivered letters or notes will be accepted. All non-privileged mail will be inspected for contraband and money orders. A full return address, including name, must appear on the envelope. DO NOT SEND CASH. Inmate mail should be addressed to: Inmate Name c/o Lyon County Jail 425 Mechanic Emporia, Ks 66801 Incoming mail for inmates no longer in jail will be returned to sender.

How do I get to the jail.

The Lyon County Jail is located in the Law Enforcement Center at the corner of 5th and Mechanic, close to downtown Emporia.

Courthouse Security FAQs


What items are prohibited?

Firearms, Pocket tools, Aerosol Sprays, Pen Knife, Box Cutters, Pocket Knives, Carpet Knives, Pepper spray/Mace, Crochet Knitting Needles, Metal Forks, Metal Fingernail Files, Razor blades, Handcuff Key, Stun Guns, Leatherman, Table/steak knives, Toy weapons, Scissors, Screwdrivers, Utility Knives, Bladed instruments, Any type of cutting tool, Long Metal chains (billfold/wallet chains), Martial Arts/Defense Weapons, Any type of explosive material or compound, Camera’s in the Courtrooms (Unless used as evidence or approved by the Judge).

What if I have a pacemaker or defibrillator?

Advise the deputies when you enter the building. It is safe for you to go through the walk-through metal detector. If you do not clear the metal detector, you may be subject to a pat-down search.

Will the x-ray machine damage my cell phone, computer or other electronic device?

The x-ray machine will not damage your cell phone or any other electronic device.

Emergency Management FAQs


Does Shelter in Place really work?

Yes, it does. In fact, during the 1992 Gulf War, Israeli citizens used Shelter in Place techniques to protect themselves against the threat of chemical weapons carried by Sadam Hussein’s SCUD missiles. Shelter in Place techniques are also effective because they are easily and quickly accomplished. In a matter of moments, you can be safe inside your pre-selected room should a chemical emergency occur in your area.

When should I Shelter in Place?

If you hear the Shelter in Place instruction on the radio or T.V., or if you hear a siren sound for an extended period of time, go inside and turn on your radio to find out what you should do. If you smell a strong or unusual odor and you don’t know where it is coming from, go inside and begin Shelter in Place procedures while listening to the radio for more information.

Why not just evacuate?

In some cases, evacuation is the better thing to do. However, evacuation could increase your chances of being exposed to airborne chemical hazards. Evacuation is also more time-consuming, especially with our limited road systems. Local emergency authorities will make the decision to evacuate or Shelter in Place.

What about my child at school?

While it is only natural to want to get your child from school in the event of an emergency, attempting to do so during a chemical emergency could just make matters worse. You and your child could experience exposure to a much greater chemical hazard while traveling to or from school. Local schools are developing Shelter in Place procedures. These are designed to ensure that your child is safe at school during a chemical emergency. As a parent, you should talk with school officials and gain as much understanding of these Shelter in Place procedures as possible.

What should you do if you are told to Shelter in Place in a Hazardous Materials Emergency?

Go inside immediately and close all windows and doors. Turn off ventilation systems such as air conditioners, furnaces, and fireplace dampers. Go into and seal a room using duct tape or wet cloths. Your room should also contain a Shelter in Place Emergency Kit.

What should you do if you are told to Evacuate in a Hazardous Materials Emergency?

Gather a change of clothing, baby needs, medicine and any dietary needs. Keep vehicle vents and windows closed and do not use air conditioner or heater.

What should a Shelter in Place Emergency Kit contain?

A 60-yard roll of duct tape for sealing the doors and windows of your pre-selected sheltering room. Enough plastic sheeting to cover windows, vents, and other miscellaneous openings to the outside. As well as a towel for sealing the bottom of the door. Make sure you have enough water for wetting down the towel. A battery-powered radio and flashlight with spare batteries for both. A few gallons of fresh water and some non-perishable food items such as snack bars and candy. A First Aid Kit, infant supplies, and any prescription medicines that may be needed while Sheltering in Place. Sheltering in Place will be easier for everyone with a diversion to help pass the time. Some games or books will help to pass the time.

What should I do during a tornado warning?

Find appropriate shelter. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Monitor the TV, AM/FM Radio, and or the internet for weather updates and situational information. Avoid driving. When a tornado warning is issued, it is not safe to be in a vehicle. Prepare, prepare, prepare. People should identify the best place to shelter well before severe weather is in the forecast

What is the difference in weather warnings and watches?

Watches and warnings are alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when severe weather threatens. A watch means that there is the potential for severe weather, but it is not currently happening or imminent. Use Situational Awareness and have multiple ways to monitor the weather. A warning means that severe weather is occurring or imminent, and people should take immediate action, seek shelter, and follow severe weather plans.