Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine will seek funding for more protective gear for King County corrections officers and additional options for less-than-lethal force, following his review of a disturbance that occurred at the King County Jail on March 28.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine will seek funding for more protective gear for King County corrections officers and additional options for less-than-lethal force, following his review of a disturbance that occurred at the King County Jail on March 28.

One inmate was charged today by the King County Prosecuting Attorney in connection with the disturbance.

"Defiant and destructive behavior by inmates will not be tolerated. The criminal charges in this case are appropriate,” said Executive Constantine. “Within the limits of a constrained budget we will find the means to keep our corrections officers safe and maintain a safe and secure environment for inmates.”

“We welcome the Executive’s effort to find funding for the equipment necessary to ensure a safe and secure work environment,” said Captain Michael Woodbury, president of the King County Uniformed Command Association, whose members oversee all shift operations. “This equipment, combined with adequate training, will enhance officer safety as well as ensure a timely and effective response to incidents within our facilities.”

"Additional equipment will help protect the safety of both our members and the inmate population,” said Doug Justus, president of the King County Corrections Guild. “We support Executive Constantine’s intention to find the necessary funding.”
 
The disturbance began on March 28 when corrections officers issued a “noise check” to inmates in a 20-person tank on the tenth floor. According to the departmental review, inmates became argumentative and refused to return to their cells. The assigned officer indicated he felt threatened and stepped out of the tank. Inmates continued to refuse direct orders and escalated their behavior to destroying property. Pepper spray was deployed with little effect. Only after the King County Sheriff’s SWAT team arrived to provide an additional show of force did the behavior stop.

The departmental review identified the need for additional radios for all staff, expansion of options for the use of less-than-lethal force, and additional protective gear for qualified officers. 
 
“Staff did an exceptional job to make sure that no injuries occurred to either staff or inmates during this volatile situation, which is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to a safe, secure and humane environment,” said Hikari Tamura, Acting Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, who is developing the budget numbers for additional equipment. “However, the department is committed to seeking additional resources and training to ensure that we maintain the level of responsibility expected of us by the people of King County.”

The department is also reviewing its mutual aid response agreements with the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Seattle Police Department to ensure that roles are more clearly defined.

Although windows were broken and other damage was done, the inmates were contained within their living area at all times with no viable opportunity for escape.