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Inslee signs order for early release of some inmates to limit COVID-19 spread


Monroe Correctional Complex (KOMO Photo)
Monroe Correctional Complex (KOMO Photo)
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Gov. Jay Inslee has officially signed the order that approves the early release of nearly 1,000 nonviolent inmates as part of an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 among the state's prison population.

Inslee's order came approximately seven days after hundreds of inmates staged a disturbance at Monroe Correctional Complex, where seven inmates and five workes have now tested positive for the coronavirus, according to state Department of Corrections officials.

Inslee decision to commute the sentence of some inmates applies only to offenses that were nonviolent, not sexual in nature or not serious.

The release will apply to inmates who are most vulnerable to the illness, including those already scheduled to be released in the coming weeks and months.


Inslee said the early release will allow prison officials to implement social distancing behind bars to limit the coronavirus spread.

"The Department of Corrections has taken significant action at my direction to address the threat of COVID-19 to the incarcerated population," Inslee said. "But it can be difficult to maintain proper physical distancing in our correctional institutions and because of that, it makes sense to release certain individuals who may be at particularly high-risk during this outbreak."

Reaction to the governor's announcement has been mixed.

“The Governor’s actions to release a limited number of individuals from Washington state corrections facilities is a useful first step but does not eliminate the danger that individuals incarcerated in Washington state face due to the COVID-19 pandemic," ACLU of Washington said in a written statement. "We urge the Governor and the Department of Corrections to do more to reduce state prison populations which is the only way to follow the advice of public health experts and keep those living and working in our correctional facilities safe.”

Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley and the lead Republican on the Senate Law and Justice Committee, said in a statement: “The people of this state are rightfully alarmed and upset by the Governor’s ill-advised decision to simply release hundreds of inmates who have yet to fulfill their debt to society. This was the most extreme option available to him in order to address the Washington Supreme Court’s order to protect inmates during the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, it increases society’s risk by not only potentially increasing crime, but also increasing the spread of COVID-19."

Last Wednesday, Monroe inmates created a massive disturbance by threatening to set fires, apparently in response to six prisoners testing positive for COVID-19 within the Miminum Security Unit.

The inmates were evacuated as prison officials sought to restore order.



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