Corrections officers at Kent's correctional facility have raised concerns over the discovery of weapons in the laundry area over the past few weeks.

Photo byMatthew AnsleyonUnsplash

The King County Corrections Guild, representing over 450 corrections officers and sergeants, has urged jail leaders to take immediate action to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.

Weapons Found in Laundry

Two knives were found within the inmate laundry at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent in separate incidents, prompting alarm among corrections officers. The guild expressed fear that more weapons may have infiltrated the jail without their knowledge, posing a significant risk to everyone within the facility.

Concerns About Contraband

While laundry duties were delegated to a private contractor during recent negotiations, concerns have arisen about the ease with which contraband, including weapons, can now enter the facility.

The Corrections Guild believes that the responsibility for providing clean laundry should be maintained by uniformed officers to prevent the infiltration of dangerous items.

Safety Concerns at the Justice Center

The Maleng Regional Justice Center has faced safety issues, including a recent assault on a corrections officer in a double-bunked unit. The Guild has called for the removal of double-bunked units or increased staffing to prevent further violent encounters.

What Are Your Thoughts?

• What measures do you think should be taken to prevent weapons from entering correctional facilities?
• How important is it for corrections officers to have control over the process of providing clean laundry to inmates?
• Do you believe that the safety of both inmates and staff is at risk with the current system in place?

Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!