DOC to cut use of solitary confinement by 90% over 5 years, close minimum security site
The Washington State Department of Corrections announced Monday that it will close one of its minimum security facilities, and dramatically reduce its use of solitary confinement.
Larch Corrections Center in Clark County will close this fall due to a declining prison population, according to a press release from DOC. DOC will offer jobs at other facilities to the 115 employees now working at its 240-bed facility.
The corrections center is being “warm-closed” and could be used in the future if needed. DOC will continue to evaluate trends, department capacity and needs, the news release said.
Additionally, the agency said it is committed to reducing the use of solitary confinement in DOC facilities by 90% over the next five years.
“The research is clear on solitary confinement,” said DOC secretary Cheryl Strange in the news release. “It causes long-lasting harm. While it can be an effective way to deter violence, spending prolonged periods of time in isolation has devastating effects on an individual’s mental and physical health long after they leave our facilities.”
The agency noted that it is “currently developing a comprehensive plan to reduce the use of solitary confinement, while not compromising staff safety, that will be unveiled later this year.”
DOC said that only 70% of corrections facility beds are occupied statewide and that it anticipated that prison populations will continue to decline. There are 12 DOC facilities in Washington.
McNeil Island Corrections Center, which closed in 2011, was the last DOC facility to close in the state.
