Seattle has a jail problem. The city’s contract with King County for jail beds comes with booking restrictions, forcing the Seattle City Council to search for alternative locations to house people arrested for misdemeanors.
One proposed solution is a pilot program at the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) jail. The idea is to house misdemeanor offenders at SCORE for 24 to 48 hours.
But the SCORE jail proposal has raised serious concerns. The facility has a high mortality rate, leading to questions about the quality of care provided. Experts also worry about whether a short stay at SCORE will reduce recidivism or worsen outcomes for detainees.
This article dives deep into the logistical, financial, and ethical considerations surrounding the SCORE jail proposal. We’ll examine the tension between Seattle and King County, the worries of stakeholders, and the potential effects on public safety. Is the proposed SCORE jail a viable solution, or does it just create new problems?
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