DOJ, King County reach agreement on jail fixes

By Associated Press

Summary

King County has reached a preliminary agreement with the Department of Justice on making changes to better protect the rights of jail inmates.

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Story Published: Jan 5, 2009 at 4:25 PM PST

Story Updated: Jan 5, 2009 at 4:25 PM PST

DOJ, King County reach agreement on jail fixes
SEATTLE (AP) - King County has reached a preliminary agreement with the Department of Justice on making changes to better protect the rights of jail inmates.

County officials say the three-year plan would build upon improvements already under way. It must still be approved by the County Council.

A DOJ investigation in 2007 found that the jail failed to provide adequate medical care or protect inmates from unnecessary use of force. The preliminary agreement calls for better training of jail guards and use of internal investigations, as well as more consistent evaluation of and attention to the medical needs of inmates.