Seattle mayor’s proposed jail pilot program would cost up to $3M a year

(The Center Square) – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell on Wednesday announced a proposal for a pilot program that would see some misdemeanor offenders spending time at the South Correctional Facility, or SCORE, as part of a plan to be more consistent in responding to misdemeanors.

The pilot program is meant to be an alternative to jailing repeat offenders, which Harrell said is not meeting the moment.

The program would include an interlocal agreement with the South Correctional Facility in Des Moines, including authorizing Seattle to use at least 20 beds the facility.

Cost estimates range from $1.5 million to $3 million per year, depending on utilization rate, according to the city . The facility’s jail beds would be paid for with underspent funds from the city’s King County jail contract. In 2025, the beds would be paid for as part of the general fund.

The city currently contracts with the King County Correctional Facility. Seattle’s average number of misdemeanor offenders held in jail in 2023 was 180, which is half of what it was in 2019, with 75. All the while, there is a lack of available correction officers.

“The goal of this pilot is to give us needed flexibility, capacity, and stability in jail options, ensuring clear and consistent accountability for individuals based on their actions,” Harrell said in a statement.

If the pilot program is approved, the facility will be generally used to hold misdemeanor offenders for 24 to 48 hours if they have been arrested for offenses that fall outside of the current King County jail booking restrictions. Other qualifications for offenders to be placed at SCORE the South Correctional Facility include the offenders being unlikely to be subject to additional criminal proceedings after their preliminary hearing or arraignment.

As part of the interlocal agreement, Seattle would ensure that all inmates can connect with outreach providers, case workers, shelter, and supportive housing providers to coordinate transportation upon release.

Seattle could decide to terminate the jail pilot program if it fails to meet the city’s needs. First, the legislation will be sent to the Seattle City Council for approval. If it is approved, the interlocal agreement would not go into effect until the city formally notifies SCORE.