Drafter
Clerk 01/05/2009
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AN ORDINANCE authorizing the executive to enter into an agreement with the United States Department of Justice relating to the operation of the King County correctional facility.
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BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Findings:
A. On October 30, 2006, the United States Department of Justice ("DOJ") notified the county of its intent to conduct an investigation of the King County correctional facility ("KCCF"). The DOJ informed the county that its investigation was focused on custodial sexual misconduct, suicide prevention and contagious disease prevention.
B. On March 6 through 8, 2007, and August 1 and 2, 2007, DOJ representatives and consultants conducted on-site inspections at the KCCF.
C. On November 13, 2007, the DOJ transmitted a letter detailing its findings to the county. The DOJ commended the staff at the KCCF for their helpful and professional conduct throughout the course of the investigation and also thanked King County for its complete cooperation with the investigation. The DOJ noted that King County provided it with unfettered access to records and personnel and responded to all DOJ requests for information in a transparent and forthcoming manner. The DOJ did, however, make findings in the areas of protection from harm, protection from self-harm, medical care and environmental health.
D. The executive and the DOJ have now successfully negotiated the terms of a memorandum of agreement to resolve the issues raised in the DOJ's November 13, 2007, findings letter.
SECTION 2. The King County executive is hereby authorized to enter into a
memorandum of agreement with the DOJ in substantially the same form as the memorandum of agreement attached to this ordinance.