Former inmates advocate for Senate Bill 5499 to reform strip search practices in Washington

The Senate Human Services Committee convened on February 4, 2025, to discuss significant reforms in the Washington correctional system, particularly focusing on Senate Bill 5499. The bill aims to address the treatment of female inmates and the controversial practice of strip searches.

During the meeting, several key testimonies highlighted the negative impacts of current practices on inmates. Laurie Dawson, a former member of the Family Council at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the need for a correctional system that respects human dignity and implements trauma-informed practices. She urged for the inclusion of data in annual reports regarding drug-related contraband to enhance transparency and inform future decisions.

Karen Lofgren, another witness, shared her personal experiences of the degrading nature of strip searches, which she described as unnecessary and humiliating. She referenced a 1991 court ruling that mandated increased female staffing in women's prisons, arguing that the current practices of strip searches are archaic and violate the dignity of female inmates, many of whom have histories of trauma.

The discussions also touched on the use of dry cells, with committee members seeking further data from the Department of Corrections (DOC) on its impacts. The DOC committed to providing additional information in a follow-up letter.

The meeting underscored a growing recognition of the need for reform in the correctional system, particularly regarding the treatment of women, and the importance of maintaining family connections for rehabilitation. The committee's next steps will involve reviewing the proposed bill and considering the testimonies provided to shape future policies.