Prisons and Jails
Publications
A Guide to Accessing Medication for Inmates in Washington State jails
This guide provides information about the rights of inmates to access prescription medication while in Washington State jails. The AVID Jail Project hopes this guide will help inmates and their advocates better understand and exercise their rights.A Guide to Accessing Psychiatric Medications for People at King County Correctional Facility and Regional Justice Center
This guide, produced by the Amplifying Voices of Inmates with Disabilities (AVID) Program, provides information about the rights of people to access psychiatric medication while incarcerated in King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) and the Regional Justice Center Detention Facility (RJC).A Guide to the Grievance Process for Inmates in Washington State jails
This guide provides general suggestions for how inmates may use the grievance process in Washington State jails. The AVID Jail Project hopes this guide will help inmates and their advocates better understand and exercise their rights.A Guide to the Grievance Process For People at King County Correctional Facility and Regional Justice Center
This guide provides information about how inmates may use the grievance process at King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) and the Regional Justice Center Detention Facility (RJC).Changing your name while incarcerated in a Washington State prison
This resource guide, written by DRW’s Trans in Prison Justice Project, provides information about how individuals who are currently incarcerated in a Washington state prison can access a legal name change.Reentry Resources for Currently and Formerly Incarcerated Individuals with Disabilities in King County
This guide provides information about reentry resources in King County. The AVID Jail Project hopes this guide will help current inmates with disabilities plan for their release and former inmates with disabilities access reentry resources in the community.Resources During Incarceration for Inmates in King County Jails
This guide, produced by the Amplifying Voices of Inmates with Disabilities (AVID) Jail Project, provides information about resources available to inmates before they are released from jail. The AVID Jail Project hopes this guide will help current inmates with disabilities identify organizations and agencies they can contact to address concerns about jail conditions or other issues arising during their incarceration.Tips for Writing Grievances for Inmates in Washington State Prisons
This guide provides information about the Grievance Program for individuals in the custody and under the supervision of the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC). It is intended to be a reference tool for writing grievances. The information in this guide is based on DOC’s Grievance Program Manual and cites to relevant sections within the Manual.Working With a Public Defender in Criminal Cases
Learn how to get, work with, and resolve conflicts with a public defender.External Links
Department of Corrections (DOC) Policies Search
Many Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) prison policies are publically available and may be accessed online.
Know Your Rights: Medical, Dental and Mental Health Care [PDF]
This American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Prison Project publication discusses prisoner rights to medical, dental, and mental health care under the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Washington State
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Washington State handles civil liberties and civil rights matters, such as discrimination, police misconduct, and personal privacy, that happen in the state of Washington.
Complaint for Violation of Civil Rights – United States Courts Pro Se Form
To initiate a federal civil rights action addressing prison conditions, inmates may find this form helpful.
Complaint – United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil Rights Division
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division enforces civil rights laws. The Special Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division receives complaints and reports of potential civil rights violations in correctional facilities. The information on this page explains how and where to file a complaint or report a civil rights violation with the Special Litigation Section.
Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook
The Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook, a guide by the Center for Constitutional Rights, provides limited general information about filing a federal lawsuit addressing prison conditions and staff conduct.
A Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual
Published by the Columbia University School of Law, Human Rights Law Review, A Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual is a thirty-six chapter resource designed to help inmates navigate the legal system and covers topics such as the rights of prisoners with disabilities, and issues for prisoners with mental illness.
Office of the Corrections Ombuds
The Office of Corrections Ombuds (OCO) is an independent, impartial public office that serves the state of Washington by promoting positive change in corrections. OCO achieves this goal through investigating complaints related to incarcerated persons’ health, safety, welfare, and rights; Providing information to incarcerated persons and families regarding self-advocacy; Identifying system issues; Monitoring and ensuring compliance of the DOC with relevant statutes, rules, and policies regarding the treatment of incarcerated persons under the jurisdiction of the DOC; and, Producing public reports.
Department of Corrections (DOC) Resolution Program Manual
The Department of Corrections (DOC) Resolution Program (formerly called the grievance program) is an internal resolution and appeal system. The DOC Resolution Program Manual explains how the program works and how to access it.
Washington Department of Corrections (DOC), Washington DOC Health Plan [PDF]
The Washington DOC Health Plan describes the medical and mental health care services available to individuals incarcerated in Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities, explains services and medical necessity, and provides information about filing appeals and presenting cases to the Care Review Committee (CRC) for approval.