OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Women prisoners and the state Department of Corrections have settled a class action sexual misconduct lawsuit.
A Thurston County Superior Court judge tentatively approved the settlement Friday, and it’s expected to be finalized at a court hearing in September or October.
In the 2007 lawsuit, women inmates who said they were not adequately protected from prison staff sought changes in policies and procedures.
The Department of Corrections says it now has an investigative unit to review allegations and forward cases to police.