Body Scanner Pilot Program. In 2018 the Legislature provided funding for the Department of Corrections (DOC) to install a body scanner at the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) as a pilot project to reduce strip searches. With the body scanner, DOC reported success in detecting contraband in body cavities, reducing the use of strip searches, reducing the amount of time for staff to complete the searches, and benefits to both staff and incarcerated individuals from not having to undergo strip searches.

The body scanner was installed at the visiting area at WCCW. DOC reported operational challenges with having only one body scanner that was permanently installed in one location and having to escort incarcerated individuals to and from the scanner location to receive a scan.

Expansion of Pilot Program. In 2021 the Legislature directed DOC to establish a comprehensive body scanner program at WCCW and a male state correctional facility as part of an expanded pilot program to create drug-free prisons. Employees, contractors, visitors, volunteers, incarcerated individuals, and other persons entering the secure perimeter of the correctional facility are required to be screened by the body scanner. Alternative search methods must be used for minors, individuals who may be pregnant, and individuals who may meet the maximum allowable monthly or annual radiation dosage limit set by the Department of Health.

DOC is required to provide appropriate radiation safety and operation training to staff administering the body scans and provide appropriate custody and nursing staff levels for the body scanners and staffing for subsequent searches and dry cell watches if the body scan indicates the presence of contraband.

Incarcerated individuals with a body scan indicating the presence of substance-related contraband must undergo, if appropriate, a comprehensive assessment for substance use disorder and receive relevant substance use disorder treatment services, including medication-assisted treatment. DOC must prioritize treatment services for individuals with symptoms indicating the person is experiencing a substance use disorder.

By December 1st of each year, DOC is required to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature on data related to the body scanners. The pilot program expires June 30, 2024.

Based on the 2022 DOC report on body scanners, DOC purchased a body scanner to conduct scans of incarcerated individuals at the Washington Corrections Center (WCC), the pilot male correctional facility. To conduct scans at public access points for employees, contractors, and visitors at both WCCW and WCC, DOC purchased two body scanners.

The June 30, 2024, expiration date for the program is removed. Language that made the program a pilot is removed.

OTHER: The intent of the body scanner is to preserve and protect human dignity. Strip searches are dehumanizing and violate human dignity. Strip searches should be eliminated at the prisons. Language should be added to make this clear in the bill that the program should protect human dignity and create drug-free prisons. Language should be added to make the body scanner policies gender responsive and trauma-informed. The program should be expanded to Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women and a scanner should be added to the receiving room at WCCW. A review of the use of dry cell watches is also needed. 

While the body scanners are a great way to reduce drugs coming into facilities and support the goal, when there are new policies instituted, there must be appropriate training, staffing, and infrastructure to carry out these policies. Dry cell watches require a lot more staffing. 

OTHER: Laurie Dawson; Brenda Wiest, Teamsters Local 117.