Inslee signs proclamation, commutation to release some corrections inmates

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee signed a new proclamation, which was accompanied by a commutation order to release some inmates early, to stop the spread of the coronavirus among the prison population.

On Monday, Inslee announced steps to protect inmates, focusing on the vulnerable populations and nonviolent individuals who would be released in the coming weeks.

“This will help allow for increased physical distancing throughout the Department of Corrections’ system, reducing the population by up to 950 people to continue to reduce the risks to incarcerated individuals while balancing public safety concerns,“ Inslee said.

In order to be freed, inmates cannot be convicted of a violent crime or a sex offense. Their release date must also be on or before June 29th.

If the inmates meet the criteria, they could be let go within the next seven days.

“Reasonable efforts” must also be made to give 48 hours advance notice to relevant victims or witnesses.

The Department of Corrections said it has been developing and putting in place responses to the pandemic, which would reduce the risk to those incarcerated, providing more physical distancing with the facilities across the state.

Lawsuits against the Washington State Department of Corrections were filed by some inmates in March, which included the requests for the release of almost 12,000 inmates.

On Friday, the Washington State Supreme Court ordered the governor and the DOC to come up with a plan to protect inmates in response to the outbreak.

The ruling stemmed from a worsening situation at the Monroe Correctional Complex, where inmates revolted, saying they felt at risk of getting the coronavirus.

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