YAKIMA, Wash. – The most recent report from the Washington State Department of Corrections shows overdose deaths overtaking suicides in Washington state facilities. Yakima County Jail Chief Bill Splawn said it’s a problem they’ve been trying to mitigate in the jail.
Last year the Yakima County Jail had four jail deaths according to Splawn. He said while three of those deaths are still being investigated, one has been confirmed as a result of an overdose.
He said every officer at the jail started carrying Narcan to try and combat overdoses from contraband drugs in the jail, something that he said has likely saved lives.
“There’s been people we’ve had Narcan for doses up to six times to bring them back to life,” Splawn said.
Now he said the plan is to bring in a k-9 unit in May to help find drugs.
“One of our partners, Chelan County, they had a k-9 for the last two years. They reduced contraband by 85%. So, if we can do that, we’re going to save lives,” he said.
The jail already works to separate inmates based on how long they will stay in the jail to keep short-term inmates from bringing drugs into the general population according to Splawn.
He said the jail also has a scanner used on inmates as they come in, used to check for contraband.
The jail also gives inmates access to medical and mental health services 24-7 something Splawn says not every jail has.
Columbia Legal Services advocates for policy change and reducing the inmate population across Washington according to Laurel Jones, Assistant Deputy Director of Advocacy.
She says unequal access to services across Washington state jails is one of the problems.
“You know, someone’s outcome. After being booked into custody at a jail in Washington state, you know, their outcome is going to be, you know, dependent on where they’re located,” she said.
