OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — State regulators have proposed a fine of $26,000 for the Department of Corrections because of safety violations in connection with the January death of an officer.
The Department of Labor & Industries said Wednesday that the agency failed to oversee proper training programs and failed to enforce existing policies at the Monroe Correctional Complex.
Officer Jayme Biendl’s body was found in the prison’s chapel, and regulators say staff could have noted her absence much sooner if the agency had certain policies or followed existing ones. An inmate is accused of strangling her.
The Department of Corrections will have 15 working days to appeal the citation. Seven workers at the agency could face disciplinary actions in connection with Biendl’s death.
