Archive | Washington State Department of Corrections

2024
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2024

9/18/2024 | News Spotlight: Solitary Confinement – A Humanity in Corrections Approach: Solitary confinement reform is essential to improving conditions of incarceration for those in our care and custody, as well as our staff.
11/20/2024 | New Driving Simulator at Mission Creek Provides Opportunity to Build Driving Skills: Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women continues to find new ways to support incarcerated women as they prepare for life beyond prison. Recently Mission Creek has introduced a driving simulator at their facility.
11/6/2024 | Preparing for a New Start: Mock Interviews at Airway Heights Correctional Center: At Airway Heights Correctional Center, a powerful program is preparing incarcerated individuals for life beyond prison walls through mock interviews.
10/28/2024 | PRESS RELEASE: US Attorney General Appoints DOC Secretary, Cheryl Strange to Advisory Board: TUMWATER – US Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed Department of Corrections Secretary Cheryl Strange to the National Institute of Corrections Advisory Board.
10/23/2024 | Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Celebration: A Feast of Culture, Dance, and Storytelling: At Stafford Creek Corrections Center (SCCC), cultural diversity is celebrated with enthusiasm and that was on display recently at the Asian Pacific Islander (API) celebration held in August.
10/9/2024 | Driving Change: How the Rules of Golf Are the Rules of Life: Cedar Creek Corrections Center in Littlerock, Washington, is home to an inventive new initiative — the first-ever staff led golf program in a Washington state correctional facility and one of few in the nation.
10/8/2024 | PRESS RELEASE: Less Restrictive Alternative Resident in Custody: TUMWATER – Damion Blevins, a 33-year-old Less Restrictive Alternative resident, was taken into custody late this afternoon in Portland, OR.
10/2/2024 | PRESS RELEASE: DOC & Law Enforcement Searching for Less Restrictive Alternative Resident: TUMWATER – The Department of Corrections and local law enforcement are looking for Damion Blevins.
9/4/2024 | Conservation and Redemption: MCCCW’s Efforts to Save Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterflies: At Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women (MCCCW), an extraordinary program is transforming the lives of both humans and winged insects.
9/3/2024 | PRESS RELEASE: Minimum Security Incarcerated Individual Apprehended: TUMWATER – 33-year-old Christopher Brinkley, was apprehended on September 3, 2024, in Seattle, and is back in custody with the Washington State Department of Corrections where he will be placed in restrictive housing.
8/21/2024 | Optical Lab at Airway Heights Corrections Center: A Second Chance to Serve the Community: The Optical Lab at Airway Heights Corrections Center (AHCC) is a shining example of rehabilitation and community service within the prison system.
7/24/2024 | Recognizing Community Corrections: In celebration of National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, we are honored to recognize the dedicated Community Corrections Officers of the Washington State Department of Corrections Community Corrections Division.
7/16/2024 | APAI 2024 Annual Training Conference: A Celebration of Collaboration: The Association of Paroling Authorities International (APAI) hosted its 2024 Annual Training Conference in Bellevue, Washington, an event for professionals in the field of parole and community corrections.
7/10/2024 | The Return of Juneteenth Celebrations: After many years hiatus, the Juneteenth celebrations have made a triumphant return to prison facilities across Washington State.
7/3/2024 | Hearing Officers: Dedication to Impartiality and Justice: Hearings officers for the Washington State Department of Corrections play a crucial role in the administration of justice within the state’s correctional system.
6/18/2024 | Juneteenth: Celebrating Emancipation Day: Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, is a time to celebrate the ending of chattel slavery in the U.S.
6/12/2024 | Grand Opening of Correctional Industries Optical Showroom: The opening of CI Optical, part of Correctional Industries (CI) headquartered in Tumwater WA, marked a significant expansion of the vocational training programs available within the state’s correctional system.
6/5/2024 | Fostering Community: What Raising a Flag Really Means: On June 3, 2024, the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) made history by raising the Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag at its headquarters for the first time.
5/22/2024 | Transforming Lives: The Success of WSP’s Prison Fellowship Program: In 2019, the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) launched a transformative Prison Fellowship program, aiming to foster rehabilitation and community among incarcerated individuals.
5/15/2024 | Breaking the Cycle: How Washington State’s Housing Specialists are Reducing Recidivism: In Washington state, the Department of Corrections is making strides to reduce recidivism through housing assistance programs facilitated by housing specialists.
5/8/2024 | Crisis Negotiators: A Key Piece for Success: The Crisis Negotiations Teams at the Washington State Department of Corrections are frontline stars, working tirelessly to de-escalate crises within correctional facilities.
5/1/2024 | National Nurses Month: Making a Difference: As we celebrate National Nurses Month, it is vital to shine a spotlight on a special group of healthcare professionals: correctional nurses.
4/30/2024 | PRESS RELEASE: Escapee from Monroe Correctional Complex Apprehended: MONROE – 59-year-old Patrick Lester Clay (DOC 908566) was apprehended without incident in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle Monday night – he is back in custody with the Washington State Department of Corrections where he will be placed in restrictive housing.
4/26/2024 | PRESS RELEASE: Department of Corrections & Monroe Police Department Searching for Minimum Security Incarcerated Individual Escaped from Monroe Correctional Complex: MONROE – A minimum security incarcerated individual has escaped from the Minimum Security Unit at the Monroe Correctional Complex in Monroe, Washington.
4/25/2024 | Reflecting on Second Chance Month: As April draws to a close, so too does Second Chance Month. This time was used as a period of reflection and action for criminal justice organizations and the agencies they partner with.
4/17/2024 | ISRB PRESS RELEASE: April 2024 Hearings: The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) April 2024 hearings list.
4/17/2024 | Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women Launches First Facility–Wide Contact Employee Program: In a symbolic event marked by hope and collaboration, Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women (MCCCW) unveiled its Contact Employee Program with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
4/10/2024 | Washington’s Way Forward: Reentry Centers Reimagined: The Wenatchee Valley Reentry Center, inaugurated in September 2023, marked a significant milestone in Washington state's approach to rehabilitation and community integration.
4/8/2024 | PRESS RELEASE: Imagination Library of Washington Brings Transformative Literacy Initiative to WA DOC State Prison Visit Rooms: TUMWATER – This week is National Library Week. The 2024 theme is “Ready, Set, Library,” and what better time to announce a unique prison partnership between Imagination Library of Washington, the statewide partner for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) to bring an innovative and exciting early literacy program to prison visit rooms.
4/3/2024 | Embracing Second Chances: Second Chance Month serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of providing opportunities for individuals who have completed their sentences to reintegrate into society.
3/27/2024 | Giving Incarcerated Women a Voice and a Choice: March is Women’s History Month – a time to celebrate the contributions women have made to the world. This year, we are excited to share the story of contributions made by incarcerated individuals.
3/6/2024 | The Father-Daughter Dance at Cedar Creek Corrections Center: At Cedar Creek Correctional Center, days can often be a little monotonous, but recently an event brought color, music, and laughter to the facility.
2/28/2024 | Best Wishes to a Respected Colleague and Friend: Jeff Uttecht: Jeff Uttecht's journey in the realm of corrections began in 1981 when he took on the role of a correctional officer in South Dakota.
2/21/2024 | Financial Freedom: The Empowerment of Education: The Office of the State Treasurer joined forces with the Department of Corrections to introduce a transformative financial education workshop series at Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women.
2/14/2024 | Black History Month 2024: Celebrating African Americans and the Arts: February marks Black History Month, an annual celebration recognizing the significant contributions of African Americans to our society.
2/7/2024 | Clallam Bay Swiftly Responds to Medical Emergency: On a frigid winter morning at the Clallam Bay Corrections Center on January 14, 2024, a routine day took a dramatic turn when an incarcerated individual had a life-threatening medical emergency.
2/2/2024 | ISRB PRESS RELEASE: December 2023 Hearings: The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) December 2023 hearings list.
1/31/2024 | Reimagine WCC: Streamlining Rehabilitations First Step: In a celebration at Washington Corrections Center (WCC) in Shelton, Washington, the dedicated efforts of various divisions involved in the Reimagine WCC project were honored.
1/24/2024 | The Blossoming Journey of Tammy: From Silence to Soil: In the heart of the Medium Security Unit yards at the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW), among the soil and seeds, resides the remarkable transformation story of incarcerated individual Tammy.
1/17/2024 | PRESS RELEASE: DOC Assistant Secretary & Former State Senator Jeannie Darneille Retires After Distinguished Career: TUMWATER – Department of Corrections (DOC) Assistant Secretary and former State Senator Jeannie Darneille has announced her retirement from state service.
1/17/2024 | Constructing Success After Prison: Finding a job is one of the most challenging obstacles for formerly incarcerated individuals.
1/3/2024 | The Impact of Unkitawa: Supporting Indigenous Incarcerated Individuals in Washington State: The collaboration between the non-profit organization Unkitawa and the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) represents a crucial partnership that addresses the unique needs faced by indigenous individuals during and after incarceration.

2023

8/1/2023 | News Spotlight: Best Bed Project (Updated): The Best Bed Project is dedicated to ensuring every incarcerated individual in our care and custody receives the housing assignment to serve their court-ordered sentence that gives them the mental health, educational, programming and health care access best suited to meet their needs.
7/14/2023 | News Spotlight: Humanity in Corrections - Suicide Prevention in Prisons: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
7/6/2023 | News Spotlight: Larch Corrections Center Closure: After careful consideration the Washington State Department of Corrections will be warm closing Larch Corrections Center (LCC) in October 2023.
6/30/2023 | News Spotlight: Humanity in Corrections - Treating Complex Mental Health Disorders in Prisons: Footsteps echo loudly off concrete walls. A loud, angry voice can be heard one moment, soft whispers the next. A corrections officer checks in through the scratched glass of a narrow cell window, to ask how an individual is doing today.
4/19/2023 | News Spotlight: Cultural Programming at DOC: Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) has seen an increase in questions and concerns regarding cultural programming, specifically rumors stating that DOC will only allow cultural groups to meet once a year.
4/18/2023 | News Spotlight: DOC Transgender Housing Policy: The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) strongly emphasizes the importance of inclusion and representation by recognizing the unique challenges that non-binary and transgender incarcerated people face.
2/8/2023 | News Spotlight: Individual Technology Services Update: To date, we have completed the full implementation and Go–Live of Securus phone service at all Prisons facilities.
12/20/2023 | Incarcerated Women Transform Governor’s Mansion for the Holidays: In a heartwarming display of transformation, a group of incarcerated women from DOC horticulture programs recently had the unique opportunity to decorate the Governor’s Mansion with their handmade decorations.
11/29/2023 | Graduated Reentry Success: David’s Story: I entered the justice system at the youthful age of 20, facing 60 years in prison for violent felonies.
11/21/2023 | ISRB Press Release: November 2023 Hearings (pdf): The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) November 2023 hearings list.
11/15/2023 | Graduated Reentry: A Path Forward: The Graduated Reentry Program (GRE) is a program within the Department of Corrections that aims to allow for more normalization for incarcerated individuals in their release process.
11/8/2023 | Cell to Cell: Creating Connection in a New Age: The Washington State Department of Corrections’ partnership with Amend is a crucial part of creating a more humane corrections system in Washington state.
11/1/2023 | The Department of Change: Amending Reentry for All: The reentry process is a crucial aspect of every incarcerated individuals’ success in effectively reintegrating with society after incarceration.
10/18/2023 | PRESS RELEASE: DOC Takes Next Step Towards Reducing the Use of Solitary Confinement: TUMWATER – Earlier this year, Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary Cheryl Strange pledged to reduce the use of solitary confinement in Washington state prisons by 90% over the next five years.
10/18/2023 | Narcotic Detection Dog Handlers Celebrate Graduation: On one of the final days of summer, the Department of Corrections (DOC) Headquarters was filled with excitement and anticipation as DOC staff and Sherriff Deputies from Thurston County, Okanogan County, and Deputies from Chelan County Regional Justice Center gathered to witness the graduation of the newest teams of K9 narcotic dog handlers.
10/11/2023 | PRESS RELEASE: DOC and Disability Rights Washington Agree to Changes to Treatment of Transgender Incarcerated Individuals: TUMWATER – The Department of Corrections (DOC) and Disability Rights Washington (DRW) have reached an agreement that will further improve the conditions of confinement for transgender individuals in the department’s care and custody.
10/11/2023 | Powwows Celebrate Culture, Aim to Reduce Recidivism: The prison system in the United States has often been criticized for its high recidivism rates, indicating that many incarcerated individuals return to prison after their release.
10/9/2023 | PRESS RELEASE: Larch Corrections Center to Officially Close: TUMWATER – Following a ruling in the Department of Corrections’ favor by a Clark County judge Monday, Larch Corrections Center (LCC), a minimum-security facility near Yacolt, will officially close October 10^th. All incarcerated individuals have already gone through the classification process and were transferred to facilities throughout the state.
10/4/2023 | KUBI Camp Returns After COVID Hiatus: Camp Dudley, a picturesque YMCA camp on the shores of Clear Lake east of White Pass, has sat eerily quiet in mid-August since 2019.
9/27/2023 | Sustainability in Prisons Project Celebrates 20 Years of Sustainable Change: The Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) celebrated a significant milestone as they marked its 20th anniversary of pioneering environmental and correctional reform.
9/20/2023 | Empowerment and Healing: The Power of Powwows in Women’s Prisons: Connecting with one’s culture has shown to be a useful tool during stages of rehabilitation. One innovative approach that continues to gain traction over the years is the incorporation of powwows within prisons.
9/18/2023 | ISRB PRESS RELEASE: October 2023 Hearings (pdf): The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) October 2023 hearings list.
9/15/2023 | Correctional Industries Seeking Advisory Committee Members: TUMWATER – Correctional Industries, the Washington Department of Corrections’ division focused on vocational education and job readiness of the incarcerated population, is seeking two representatives on its advisory committee.
9/13/2023 | Food For Thought: SPP Gardening Program Donates to Local Food Banks: Amidst the walls of Washington State Department of Corrections facilities, a transformative program has taken root, nurturing not just gardens but also the spirits of incarcerated individuals.
9/6/2023 | Embracing Culture Within Prisons (Updated): Washington State Department of Corrections recently organized a series of family-friendly events within the correctional facilities across the state to commemorate Asian Pacific Islander Month.
8/23/2023 | Nurturing Bonds Behind Bars: Washington State's Residential Parenting Program: Washington State Department of Corrections’ Residential Parenting Program (RPP) reshapes the lives of incarcerated mothers and their babies.
8/17/2023 | ISRB PRESS RELEASE: September 2023 Hearings (pdf): The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) September 2023 hearings list.
8/17/2023 | Beekeeping: A Sustainability in Prisons Project: In an innovative approach to rehabilitation, prisons around Washington State have supported honeybee programs that offer incarcerated individuals a unique opportunity to learn new skills and to contribute positively to society.
8/9/2023 | Concerts for Hope: Washington Prisons Hosts Classical Concerts: Concerts for Hope, a nonprofit led by musician and composer Eric Genuis, embarked on a transformative journey to uplift the spirits of those residing within Washington's prisons
7/19/2023 | DOC and South Seattle College Celebrates 25 Years of Turning Lives Around: The Justice Involved Solutions Unit at South Seattle College is guided by its mission to create a welcoming, supportive, and respectful learning environment for currently and formerly justice-involved students as they transition from the inside/out.
7/18/2023 | PRESS RELEASE: Megan Pirie Appointed Director of Person-Centered Services: TUMWATER – Department of Corrections' (DOC) Secretary Cheryl Strange has appointed Megan Pirie as the agency’s Director of Person-Centered Services. Pirie is the second person to hold the position, which was created by Strange to incorporate the voice and perspective of incarcerated individuals into DOC’s practices and policies.
7/12/2023 | Embracing Culture Within Prisons: Washington State Department of Corrections recently organized a series of family-friendly events within the correctional facilities across the state to commemorate Asian Pacific Islander Month.
7/10/2023 | ISRB PRESS RELEASE: August 2023 Hearings (pdf): The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) August 2023 hearings list.
7/5/2023 | Crafting Confidence: Incarcerated Individual Designed Conference Table Empowers Rehabilitation: Correctional Industries is transforming the lives of incarcerated individuals through rehabilitation programs that foster skill-building, confidence, and a path to a brighter future.
6/28/2023 | Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom While Incarcerated: Each year on June 19, Americans have the opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth – a time to commemorate the freedom of African Americans with the ending of chattel slavery in 1865 in the United States.
6/26/2023 | PRESS RELEASE: DOC Pledges to Drastically Reduce Use of Solitary Confinement and Announces Closure of Minimum-Security Prison: TUMWATER – The Department of Corrections is taking steps to address fewer incarcerated individuals reoffending and returning to DOC custody while also committing to reduce the use of solitary confinement in its prisons by 90% over the next five years.
6/22/2023 | Incarcerated Students Triumph: This month, a wave of celebration is sweeping across correctional facilities in Washington State as incarcerated individuals proudly don their caps and gowns to mark their college graduations.
6/15/2023 | PRESS RELEASE: South Seattle College and DOC Continue to Prepare Justice-Involved Students for a Brighter Future: SEATTLE – South Seattle College will host its spring graduation ceremony this weekend for Justice Involved Solutions (JIS) students.
6/14/2023 | The IF Project: The Question…: “If there was something someone could have said or done to change the path that led you here, what would it have been?”
6/7/2023 | Strength in Families Receives the Lee Ann Miller Award: The Children’s Justice Conference, an extraordinary event held annually, has emerged as a transformative platform dedicated to providing professionals with training, skills and development in the identification, investigation and prosecution of child maltreatment.
5/31/2023 | Correctional Nurse’s Share Their Story: Approximately 460 nurses provide the majority of medical care needed for the individuals incarcerated in Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities.
5/24/2023 | Patient Centered Medical Home: The Evolution of Healthcare in Prisons: The Department of Corrections is excited to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its Patient Centered Medical Home pilot project.
5/22/2023 | Correctional Industries Seeking Advisory Committee Members: TUMWATER – Correctional Industries, the Washington Department of Corrections’ division focused on vocational education and job readiness of the incarcerated population, is seeking three representatives on its advisory committee.
5/17/2023 | Reentry Assistant Secretary Wins Prestigious Award as Washington Hosts National Corrections Conference: The Washington State Department of Corrections’ very own Danielle Armbruster won the prestigious Rodli Award at this year’s National Correctional Industries Association (NCIA) conference in Bellevue, Washington.
5/15/2023 | Excessive Heat Warning (pdf): The Department of Corrections is committed to operating safe and humane facilities, especially during the current excessive heat wave.
5/10/2023 | Crime Victims’ Rights Event: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is held during the week of April 23-29.
5/8/2023 | ISRB PRESS RELEASE: July 2023 Hearings (pdf): The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) July 2023 hearings list.
5/3/2023 | Thanking Correctional Nurses: Approximately 460 nurses provide the majority of medical care needed for the individuals incarcerated in Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities.
4/13/2023 | Jill Getty Appointed to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board: Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed Jilly Getty as the newest member of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB).
4/12/2023 | ISRB PRESS RELEASE: June 2023 Hearings (pdf): The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) June 2023 hearings list.
4/12/2023 | Thinking for a Change: Encouraging Positive Change in Incarcerated Individuals: The Thinking for a Change class is one of many programs the Department of Corrections is using to change the way prisons approach rehabilitation and reentry.
4/5/2023 | Reentry Matters – Celebrating Second Chance Month: Each April, the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) celebrates Second Chance Month by reaffirming the importance of helping incarcerated individuals reenter society.
3/22/2023 | New Water Source Supplies McNeil Island: After seven years of planning, drilling and testing, McNeil Island has a new water source.
3/17/2023 | ISRB PRESS RELEASE: May 2023 Hearings (pdf): The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) May 2023 hearings list.
3/15/2023 | Detection Dog Training to Keep Drugs Off Streets: Keeping illegal drugs out of our community is tough task that takes a lot of effort from law enforcement to keep our communities safe.
3/8/2023 | Amend: How We Create Better Neighbors: In 2020, the department partnered with Amend at the University of California San Francisco to bring a health-focused approach to transforming the culture inside Washington’s prisons and reentry centers.
3/6/2023 | PRESS RELEASE: DOC Names New Tribal Relations Director: OLYMPIA — Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary Cheryl Strange has appointed Colleen Cawston as the agency’s Tribal Relations Director.
2/22/2023 | ISRB PRESS RELEASE: April 2023 Hearings (pdf): The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) April 2023 hearings list.
2/17/2023 | PRESS RELEASE: Memorial Service to Be Held for Longtime Correctional Officer: OLYMPIA - A memorial service will be held next week to honor Washington State Department of Corrections Correctional Officer Jay Miller. Miller passed away on Feb. 11 after a long battle with COVID-19 complications.
2/15/2023 | Therapeutic Training Is Helping Incarcerated Achieve Sobriety: The Therapeutic Community Training program has made its return to prisons across the state after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 virus.
2/8/2023 | Trauma–Informed Training at DOC: Washington State Department of Corrections’ (DOC) is excited to share news about upcoming Trauma Informed Training that focuses on interactions with families impacted by incarceration.
2/3/2023 | Correctional Industries Seeking Advisory Committee Members: TUMWATER – Correctional Industries, the Washington Department of Corrections’ division focused on vocational education and job readiness of the incarcerated population, is seeking three representatives on its advisory committee.
1/25/2023 | Reintegration Reimagined: DOC Launches New Community Corrections Model: The Department of Corrections is proud to launch a new supervisory model for our Community Corrections Division called iCoach.
1/18/2023 | Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Initiative WADOC: Since Secretary Cheryl Strange joined the Department of Corrections in 2021, one of her top priorities has been developing a human-centered organization that is fair, just, equitable, inclusive and embraces diversity.
1/11/2023 | Amend: Corrections Officers from Oslo, Norway visit Washington State: The Amend Project has once again returned to Washington State as corrections officers from Oslo, Norway came to visit our prisons in the Pacific Northwest.
1/4/2023 | Amend: Improving Washington’s Correctional System for Staff & Incarcerated: Washington State corrections staff are already seeing positive benefits in their lives at work and at home since joining Amend.
1/3/2023 | ISRB PRESS RELEASE: March 2023 Hearings (pdf): The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) March 2023 hearings list.

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