As cells empty, state looks to close Monroe prison units

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

OLYMPIA — At least 20% of Washington’s 18,000 prison beds are empty right now.

Another 20% could become vacant in the next two years.

Faced with a rapidly shrinking inmate population, the state Department of Corrections is making plans to close living units in prisons across the state, with the Monroe Correctional Complex targeted for the biggest reduction.

Late last month, corrections officials informed lawmakers, labor unions and councils for families of incarcerated people that 18 units containing 3,378 beds were being eyed for closure.

Eight of those, with 1,403 beds, are in the Monroe prison, a sum that represents more than half of the complex’s total capacity. As now envisioned, the entire Washington State Reformatory Unit could be shuttered.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/as-cells-empty-state-looks-to-close-monroe-prison-units/

[Aristus]

1. Good.

Make fewer things illegal, like cannabis, and have a lower patient population.

[bluecollar2]

2. Sounds good to me...

Tear down the fences etc. I'm sure the land and structures could be put to better use.