Washington State – A recent data analysis conducted by InvestigateWest has revealed a concerning trend in Washington prisons: nearly a third of all inmate release dates were delayed in the last fiscal year. This delay not only disrupts the lives of inmates attempting to plan for their future but also comes with a hefty price tag for taxpayers, amounting to millions of dollars.
Out of approximately 5,000 individuals released from Washington prisons in fiscal year 2023, around one-third were held beyond their earned release date. The earned release date takes into account factors such as good behavior and credit for time served in county jails before conviction. While the median delay was approximately a month, some inmates experienced delays of over a year, creating significant challenges for them as they tried to rebuild their lives outside of prison.
Surprisingly, the rate of late releases increased even as Washington’s prison population decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend continued even after the Department of Corrections released many inmates who had been resentenced following the Washington Supreme Court’s landmark Blake decision in 2021. The Blake decision effectively decriminalized drug possession until the Legislature passed a new statute.
While some delays may be unavoidable, such as in cases where an inmate convicted of arson struggles to find housing upon release, inmates and reentry support providers have highlighted instances of avoidable delays. These include cases where inmates were held late because counselors failed to issue legally required notices to victims in a timely manner or where inmates had to wait past their release date for sentencing documents to arrive via mail from county courts.
Although Washington Governor Jay Inslee previously criticized the Department of Corrections for erroneously releasing some inmates too early, the magnitude of delayed releases has not received the same level of attention. It is worth noting that these issues are not unique to Washington, as the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has also faced scrutiny for holding inmates in custody longer than intended by state lawmakers.
For inmates, the consequences of late releases are profound. It derails their efforts to secure housing and reintegrate into society. Unfortunately, there is no legal recourse for inmates who are held weeks or months past their earned release date, as these dates are not guaranteed by statute.
In addition to the impact on inmates, taxpayers bear the financial burden of these delays. Monthly costs for holding inmates can vary significantly, but the Department of Corrections estimated expenses to be around $5,300 per inmate per month as of 2022. This means that the department spent approximately $7 million holding inmates past their release dates in the last fiscal year alone.
As the state grapples with these issues, it is crucial to address the underlying problems contributing to delayed releases. Efforts should be made to ensure that avoidable delays are minimized, allowing inmates to successfully transition back into society and reducing the financial strain on taxpayers. By prioritizing timely and efficient release processes, Washington can strive towards a more effective and equitable criminal justice system.
