PO Box 300 751 S Pine St. Medical Lake, WA 99022-0300 (509) 299-2300
Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women is a minimum-security facility located in Medical Lake, Washington, approximately 17 miles west of Spokane.
Pine Lodge began in 1979 as an 84 bed male facility in Spokane, co-located with Spokane County Work Release. The lease was terminated in 1987 and the pre-release moved temporarily to the grounds of the Lakeland Village Complex.
In 1991 Eastern Washington Pre-Release (EWPR) received 24 female offenders from Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW).
In January of 1992, the two facilities, EWPR and PLCC, consolidated to form Pine Lodge Pre-Release.
In June 2004, the Pine Lodge Pre-Release became an all female facility and was renamed Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women.
Chemical Dependency: In 1993, Pine Lodge began providing chemical dependency treatment and in the fall of 1996, began operating a twelve month Therapeutic Community for female offenders.
Female offenders who are transitioning from higher custody levels are eligible for the program 48 months before their Earned Release Date.
Offenders can also be transferred to the facility when they have been on Community Custody or in work release and violate conditions of supervision.
Education: Education programming is offered to assist offenders acquire a GED, and other valuable tools for successful transition to the community.
For example, basic computer classes are taught that educate offenders on skills that can be later used to obtain meaningful employment in the community.
Communication with family, friends, and other persons is important to those who are incarcerated. Equally important are the rates charged for these calls and any limitations resulting from telephone-system policies that are beyond the Department’s control.
No. Only offenders can initiate phone calls. See the section on Emergency Messages for information on how to relay a message to an offender during a family emergency.
Offenders place calls from regular telephones inside the institutions.
If you receive a call, you will first hear a pre-recorded message stating that an offender who is confined at a particular facility is attempting to contact you, followed by an electronic announcement of the offender’s name. At that point, you can either hang up or listen to additional information on how to accept the call (see next question).
Offender phone calls are limited to 20 minutes. Both parties will hear a message at three-minute intervals telling them how much time remains (additional messages will come at 2 minutes, 1 minute, and 30 seconds). After 20 minutes, the telephone call will automatically disconnect.
The cost of telephone calls initiated by inmates is borne by the person who receives the call.
If you answer your phone and hear a recorded message stating that an offender wants to speak with you, your options are to hang up, accept the call as a collect call, or follow the recorded instructions for establishing a pre-paid account. A pre-paid account requires a Visa or MasterCard credit card, or you can make payment by cashier’s check or money order.
You will also be given the opportunity for a free, one-time-only, 60-second phone call if you wish to discuss your options with the offender.
An agreement between the Department and a new telephone vendor that went into effect in the fall of 2006 has resulted in substantial savings over earlier phone rates for many offender family members and friends. Effective November 17, 2006, in-state residents are charged a flat rate of $3.50 for a maximum 20-minute collect call from a prison inmate. The pre-paid option further reduces the call charge to $3.15 for 20 minutes. These rates only apply to calls made by Washington prison inmates to phone numbers within the state; rates for calls to other states or countries will be higher.
Not all phone users can accept collect calls from prison inmates. The collect-call option is not available for calls made to cell phones, international numbers, cable and Internet phone systems, or customers in certain local telephone exchanges that have not entered into billing and collections agreements with traditional telephone companies.
In the past, family members and friends in such situations could not receive phone calls from offenders. They will now be able to do so by establishing a pre-paid account as described above.
Yes, for the security of the facility, all calls are monitored, with the exception of legal calls. All legal calls must b e scheduled and placed through the offender’s assigned Counselor.
Do not accept the call. Contact the facility where the offender is located and let them know of the unwanted call. You will need to provide your phone number. At your request, the number will be removed from the system (blocked) so it cannot be called in the future.
The Department of Corrections understands the need for family members to notify offenders in the event of a serious family emergency.
During normal business hours you should request to speak with the offender’s assigned Counselor or Correctional Unit Supervisor. After hours and on weekends or holidays, you should request to speak with the Shift Supervisor. Verified emergency messages may be relayed to the offender regarding the critical illness or injury, death or similar urgent situation experienced by members of the offender’s immediate family. Do not be upset if you are told that the information must be verified before it is relayed. Inaccurate information can be unnecessarily distressing to the offender. It is important that you work closely with staff, giving them as much accurate information as possible.
Once the information has been verified, appropriate staff or the institution’s Chaplain will share the message with the offender. If requested, the offender can be referred to an appropriate staff member for counseling and support. A telephone call or special visit with immediate family members may be authorized.
Furloughs or releases from prison are not granted; however, an offender may be considered for a funeral or bedside visit (when death is imminent) for immediate family members only. Approval is at the discretion of the Superintendent.
The offender may be allowed an escorted bedside visit to a hospital or nursing home or be escorted to attend the funeral, but will not be allowed to do both. The bedside visit or funeral must occur within the state of Washington.
Expenses are generally the responsibility of the offender or his/her family and must be arranged before the bedside visit or funeral trip.
If the family is paying the cost of the trip, the offender’s assigned Counselor will provide a cost estimate.
Welcome visitors!
Visitation serves an important role in preserving the healthy relationships between offenders and their family and friends. You can make a positive and powerful difference to your loved one during his or her incarceration. The Department strives to make visits comfortable and pleasant; however, it is important to remember that visiting is a privilege and is regulated. The following is a brief outline of the visiting rules.
The number and length of visits, as well as schedules, vary among the facilities so it is important that the offender provide you information regarding the specific days and times in which you are allowed to visit. Visiting schedules and rules are available to all offenders, and they are responsible to share the information with you.
Be aware: unforeseen security problems might interfere with visiting, causing delayed, shortened, suspended or cancelled visits. This is unusual, but it does occasionally occur.
Before you can be placed on an offender’s visiting list, you must complete the approval process.
The offender is responsible to send you the visitor application. After filling out the application, it must be returned to the facility where the offender is housed. It takes an average of 3 to 6 weeks for an application to be processed and a criminal background check to be completed. If you are approved, you will be added to the visiting list and the offender will be notified.
Some facilities may send you a courtesy notification of your approval. However, generally it is the offender’s responsibility to notify the approved applicants. If your application is denied, you will be provided notification including the reason(s) why.
When an offender is transferred, his/her approved visiting list is forwarded to the new facility. You may not be required to reapply at each new facility; however, background checks could potentially be required.
NOTE: Work Release facilities do not use the same visiting records, and new applications must be submitted when an offender transfers to or from a Work Release.
An individual may be on the approved visiting list of only one offender at any one time unless an exception is granted by the facility Superintendent.
Yes, but they must be on the approved visiting list with the Parent/Guardian consent portion of the visitor application completed and notarized. An original certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, as issued by the state or county of birth, must accompany the application. This will be returned as soon as the application process is complete. Guardianship of all minors must be verified by providing a certified copy of the court order establishing legal guardianship. Minors must be accompanied and under the direct control of their non-incarcerated parent/guardian during the entire visit.
At the Superintendent’s discretion, exceptions may be granted authorizing a minor to be accompanied by an adult other than the parent/guardian if:
Yes. Offenders may have up to 20 persons (minors and adults) on their visiting list at any one time, but additional restrictions may apply at individual facilities. It is best to check with the offender to find out how many are allowed at his/her location.
Visitors aged 16 and older must present a current piece of photo identification. Acceptable identification may include a driver’s license, military identification, Indian tribal identification, state identification card, state or federal agency identification, or passport. Although not required, a state identification card is highlyrecommended for minors under the age of sixteen for ease of processing.
Visitors may only bring limited items into the facility visiting room to ensure a safe and secure environment and efficiency in processing visits. Superintendents may authorize items in addition to the following minimum allowable items:
NOTHING CAN BE GIVEN TO OR EXCHANGED WITH THE OFFENDER IN THE VISITING ROOM.
Items authorized for infants and toddlers include:
Individual facilities may vary on what items are allowed for infants and toddlers. The offender needs to provide you with this specific information.
All visitors, their belongings, vehicles, and any container and/or bag that are brought onto the institution grounds could possibly be searched. A visitor has the option of refusing to be searched but then may be denied visiting privileges or entrance to the institution.
Yes. Only clothing that is conservative, modest and meets the following standards is acceptable:
Visitors should not wear clothing that is difficult to search (i.e., excessive pockets or padding, layering of one outer garment over another, etc.
The following clothing is not allowed:
Individual facilities may make exceptions for infants and toddlers.
Visitors and offenders are allowed one brief embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of the visit. Some facilities permit small children to sit on the lap of the offender; however, this is at the discretion of each facility and may be restricted by visit staff due to individual behavior or circumstance. The only other contact permitted at any other time is hand holding above the table. While it is often difficult to limit physical contact with a loved one during a visit, it is necessary to preserve order in the visiting room, maintain safety and security, and to ensure that others are not offended by open displays of affection. If you fail to abide by these rules, the visit may be terminated and possible suspension of visiting privileges may occur.
Yes, unfortunately, some visitors abuse visiting privileges by improper conduct, disruptive behavior, participation in illegal activities or conduct that presents a risk to the safety and security of the facility, staff, or others. When this occurs, those involved may have their visiting privileges revoked for an appropriate amount of time based upon the seriousness of the action.
The Department neither approves nor disapproves of offender marriages. However, maintaining a loving relationship during incarceration is recognized and supported by the Department. Each facility has its own procedures for offender marriages. If you are planning to marry an offender, his/her assigned institution Counselor is available to answer your specific questions. Post-incarceration marriages do not qualify for the Extended Family Visit Program.
The Matthew 25:36 House of Hospitality and The Family Van Service are programs of the Simon of Cyrene Society, Inc., at PO Box 201, Monroe, WA 98272, phone number (360) 794-8720.
The Family Van Service schedules round trips from Seattle to the following Department of Corrections’ institution areas: Walla Walla, Forks, Coyote Ridge, and Airway Heights.
Trips are on Saturday or Sunday, except Coyote Ridge, which is Monday. Prisoners for Christ Outreach Ministries schedules round trips as follows:
For information, contact Prisoners for Christ Outreach Ministries, PO Box 1530, Woodinville, WA 98072-1530, phone number (425) 483-4151; web: www.pfcom.org.
These are not Department of Corrections’ programs; however, they provide a wonderful service that can assist you in visiting your loved ones. Please contact the service providers for further information about their program.
The Department recognizes the importance of maintaining strong family ties and provides opportunities for Extended Family Visits (EFVs).
The EFV is a visit between an offender and his or her immediate family member(s) that occurs in a private housing unit. The visits are for up to 48 hours. There must be a gap of at least 30 days between EFVs; and in most cases, it will be more than 30 days.
No, in an effort to provide as safe and secure an environment as possible, a strict set of guidelines has been developed and must be met prior to an offender’s approval for an EFV.
Some of the offender guidelines and considerations include:
Some of the visitor guidelines and considerations are as follows:
The Superintendent of the institution in which the offender resides.
One of the most important ways to stay in contact with an offender is through the mail. Family and friends are encouraged to write.
Even if you are coming to visit soon or have talked on the telephone, a letter is appreciated.
To ensure delivery of your correspondence, you must include your return address and address the envelope as follows:
Offender Name and DOC Number Name of the Institution and Housing Unit Post Office Box or Street Address City, State and Zip Code
The addresses for specific facilities are located at these links: Facilities | Work Releases.
Yes. All incoming and outgoing mail will be inspected by facility staff. Mail is examined to prevent offenders from receiving or sending contraband or any other material that may compromise the safety and security of the facility.
If any portion of an offender’s incoming or outgoing mail is restricted, the facility will provide written notification of the mail rejection to the offender and the sender. The notification will include the reason for the restriction and the name and address of the sender. The process does allow the offender and/or sender to appeal the mail rejection.
Certain items are restricted from being sent to an offender including stamps, cash and personal checks.
Please note: The WCC Reception Center has a more strict policy on incoming mail. The offender should inform you of what is allowed.
Unauthorized incoming mail includes mail:
Yes, offenders may receive a reasonable number of new books, newspapers and magazines sent directly from the publisher. (Note: Magazines are not allowed at the WCC Reception Center.)
If you receive unwelcome mail or threatening letters from an offender, notify his/her institution in writing that you wish the correspondence to stop. You should also provide a copy of the letter(s) received. The offender will be directed to stop writing to you. If the offender continues to write after being told not to, let the facility know. The offender will then be referred for possible disciplinary action.
Each offender has a non-interest bearing offender trust account where funds are deposited. Withdrawals may be made for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
Offenders are not allowed to directly or indirectly transfer funds to another offender’s account or exchange funds or items of value with staff, other offenders, volunteers, or sponsors.
Offenders may not withdraw moneys to establish or make deposit to accounts, investments, certificates of deposit, or credit accounts outside of the Department’s offender trust account.
Offenders are not allowed to bank through the mail or conduct monetary transactions except through their offender trust account.
All non-exempt deposits, earnings, gratuities and incentive pay are subject to established mandatory deductions. Department of Corrections Policy Directive 200.000 provides detailed information regarding offender trust accounts.
The Department of Corrections offers two ways to deposit money into an offender’s resident trust account-- the United States Postal Service and Western Union Quick Collect services.
This option requires a money order or cashiers check made payable to the offender. The money order/cashiers check must carry the receiving offender’s name and six-digit Department of Corrections (DOC) number. Personal checks and cash will not be accepted.
The postal option can be used to deposit money into four kinds of sub-accounts:
Funds received and designated for a medical or education sub-account prior to an offender acquiring the necessary approval will be returned at the offender’s expense.
Some facilities may require the sender to be on the offender’s approved visit list for funds to be accepted.
Western Union Quick Collect can only be used for depositing money into an offender’s spendable sub-account. Each transaction requires the following information:
Senders have three ways to access the Western Union Quick Collect option. See costs for these services.
To locate the nearest Western Union agent, call 1-800-325-6000 or go to www.westernunion.com.
Money sent into the prison for offender use is subject to mandatory deductions of 35 percent, as directed by the law (RCW 72.09.480), which include:
The 10 percent for savings is put into an account for the offender and is not accessible until his/her time of release, unless an emergent request is made by the offender and approved by Department management.
Crime victims compensation is sent to the Department of Labor and Industries to assist victims of crime. This is not associated with the offender’s Judgment and Sentence.
Cost of incarceration is sent to Correctional Industries,Department of Corrections, to support the work programs designed to assist offenders with job opportunities.
Additionally, some or all of the following deductions may apply depending on each offender’s individual obligations and the balance remaining after the mandatory deductions are withheld:
When are deposits credited to an offender’s trust account?
Funds are deposited to the offender’s trust account within three working days of the date on the mailroom receipt. After mandatory deductions and debt collection, the remaining funds are available to the offender.
The Department of Corrections provides offenders with all of the necessities they need while incarcerated. Offenders are issued suitable clothing that is presentable, durable, and acceptably fits the offender and the climate. As needed, offenders assigned to special work details are issued appropriate protective clothing and equipment. However, offenders may receive new/approved property items. This section provides guidelines that must be followed in order to avoid unnecessary costs to the offender or his/her family.
Each offender is provided with a Maximum Allowable Personal Property Matrix (MAPPM) which identifies the types, value, and amount of personal property authorized for offender retention at the different security levels. Offenders are responsible for ensuring that the value of the property in their possession is no greater than the dollar values identified on the MAPPM.
NOTE: Each institution has its own property policy that may be more restrictive than what is listed in this booklet.
Offenders have access to that policy, and they need to be aware of the regulations. To be sure of what you can or cannot send, please request this information from the offender.
Offenders are allowed to dispose of their excess or unauthorized personal property by shipping it to a nonincarcerated person, at the offender’s expense. Offenders have 30 days to accomplish this disposition.
If the offender is without funds, refuses to pay the required postage, or refuses to designate an individual to receive the property, the items will be donated to a charitable organization or destroyed by staff.
Offenders may acquire personal property only through the following sources:
Offenders in work release are allowed personal property that supports finding and maintaining employment.
Quarterly packages are a gift package you may send to an offender that includes those items that are otherwise not available to an offender through the facility store or any other purchasing outlet provided by the facility. In order to send an offender a quarterly package, most institutions require that the offender send you a Quarterly Package Authorization form.
An offender may receive one gift package (not to exceed 15 pounds in weight including packing materials) on a quarterly basis.
Quarterly periods consist of December through February; March through May; June through August; and September through November. Newly admitted offenders shall not receive a package(s) while assigned to the Reception Center at Washington Corrections Center.
In the event a package contains unauthorized items, it will be rejected and the offender will be held responsible for the shipping costs to mail the item(s) out of the facility. If a package contains contraband that is subject to criminal prosecution, the entire package will be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Packages containing contraband not subject to criminal prosecution shall have the contraband removed and rejected, and the remainder of the package will be delivered to the offender.
The following restrictions and guidelines apply:
The following items are prohibited:
The offender’s property is moved with him/her as long as he/she is not placed in a restricted housing unit. If an offender is placed in restricted housing such as segregation or medical, the property will be stored.
Each major institution has a store where offenders can purchase personal hygiene items, food, snacks, soda, radios, televisions, postage supplies, writing materials, vitamins and other personal items. The items available at the store for purchase cannot be sent in by family or friends. Please see the Mail and Property sections for detailed information as to what can be mailed to an offender.
Each offender is allowed to make purchases from the store on specifically assigned days by submitting a store order. The offender must have funds in his/her trust account to pay for the purchases. Staff process the order and deliver items to the offender’s living unit, or other designated area, where the offender receives and signs for the items.
Profits from store sales are deposited to the Offender Welfare/Betterment Fund. This fund is used for the benefit of the offender population for such things as: