The future of Washington’s prison and supervision system

By Senator Mike Carrell and Senator Debbie Regala

Washington's prison and supervision system needs an overhaul. We need to reduce the number of people returning to prison due to new convictions or release violations (recidivism). As co-chairs of the Joint Task Force on Offender Programs, Sentencing, and Supervision, we are working to develop a shared vision with the state Department of Corrections (DOC) that is the most comprehensive reexamination of DOC programs since its creation.

Recidivism increases incarceration costs and reduces public safety, usually creating more victims. Today, more than 40 percent of our prison population has been there before. Our communities and taxpayers deserve better results. The work being done by the task force to identify better strategies that would successfully transition an offender from prison to the community is in everyone’s best interest.

While Washington's current revolving-door prison system is difficult on our state budget, the heaviest burden falls on local governments. The costs are devastating to counties, many of which spend more than 70 percent of their budgets on criminal justice. Our task force has included many local officials in developing its recommendations.

The recommendations made to the governor and Legislature will increase public safety by reducing the number of ex-offenders who commit new crimes upon release from prison, and will be based on strategies identified by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy as both effective and cost beneficial.

One of the most dramatic proposals being discussed is getting rid of “good-time” for early release, where a prisoner can get from 33 to 50 percent of their time reduced simply by not doing anything wrong. We expect prisoners to earn early release, and make dramatic changes in their lives to fix the issues that put them in prison in the first place. Our responsibility in the process would be to help offenders overcome hurdles both inside the prison and once they’re released, including mental health issues, substance abuse, illiteracy, and a lack of job skills, which often result in offender homelessness and recidivism.

When an offender first enters prison, he or she should be assessed for these issues and have an individualized plan developed during incarceration. Successful participation would result in a sentence reduction for non-violent offenders after an objective review of their new skills and attitudes. Once the offender is released back into the community, a new supervision structure would establish continuity between state, county and city agencies, and community organizations. The DOC would work closely with local authorities to monitor the progress of reformed offenders released into the community. Community groups would provide continuing education, treatment, family mentoring and support of the faith community.

Changing criminal behavior is key in helping offenders succeed outside of prison, reducing recidivism rates, increasing public safety and decreasing costs to taxpayers. There already exist several examples of cooperation between the DOC, local police and community organizations in Spokane and Lakewood. Since 97 percent of offenders return to our communities, it's time to start applying successful models statewide.

Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, represents the 28th District and Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, represents the 27th District. The senators co-chair the Joint Task Force on Offender Programs, Sentencing and Supervision.

Return to Sen. Regala's home page