Topeka ? A spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections says it is discussing supplemental training for staff at county jails that house state inmates.

Department spokesman Jeremy Barclay said Thursday that the informal discussions have been prompted by the escape of four inmates from the Ottawa County Jail in Minneapolis.

Two were apprehended Wednesday. But two others, including a convicted murderer, remained at large Thursday.

The four inmates were sent to the Ottawa County Jail because of overcrowding at the state prison in Ellsworth. Five counties, including Ottawa County, have passed a state inspection and are certified to house state inmates.

Barclay said the state respects the training provided to county jail staff and has considered it when certifying jails to house state inmates.