Time runs out on fatality reviews

In a troubling oversight, the Pacific County Jail Services has not assembled an independent unexpected fatality review panel within the legally required 120 days following the death of an inmate on October 7, 2024. This delay raises serious concerns about accountability and the integrity of investigations into in-custody deaths. Washington state law stipulates that any death occurring in custody must be thoroughly examined by a panel free of conflicts of interest, with a report generated within the specified timeframe. The absence of such a review not only questions the adherence to legal protocols but also points to systemic issues within the oversight process. Furthermore, another in-custody death from December 13, 2022, remains unresolved, compounding the urgency for effective oversight measures.

Advocates for justice and transparency are calling for immediate reforms to ensure that the rights of individuals in custody are protected and that such incidents are properly reviewed. The situation highlights the critical need for timely and impartial investigations to maintain public trust in the justice system. As communities demand accountability, the lack of action may have far-reaching implications for policy and reform in Washington state.