SCORE RESPONSE TO FEBRUARY 21, 2025, PUBLICOLA ITEM
The viewpoints and misleading narrative expressed within the online publication PubliCola on February 21, 2025, regarding SCORE, provides misinformation to the public and does not accurately reflect SCORE or its dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality public safety services by putting detainee care at the center of its mission.
We take any loss seriously and remain committed to providing the highest quality care and jail services, however, the assertion that SCORE has a death rate five times greater than the national average is inaccurate, false and misleading. This error diverts attention from the critical work we do each day at SCORE, focusing on the well-being of the people and the communities we serve.
What you need to know, and why it matters:
During its 14 years, the jail has had 15 unexpected fatalities, each of which were investigated thoroughly. Currently under investigation is one death that occurred in a hospital and presumed to be from natural causes.
While SCORE continues to strive to provide the highest quality public safety services to those it serves, it is necessary to point out that many of these deaths were related to the serious Fentanyl epidemic continuing to claim thousands of lives in our country.
It is important to note that the Mortality in Correctional Institutions (MCI) data, collected from 2000 to 2019, is approximately six years old and is designed for national-level comparisons and not for jurisdictional analyses. The report specifically warns that random variation can be large when the number of deaths is small. As a result, the report says caution is warranted when interpreting statistics for a small sample size such as a single jail.
PubliCola is not considering, while encouraged to in several email exchanges, the number of admissions that occur during a monthly period. For the month of January 2025, SCORE had 1,491 admissions with an average length of stay of 8.5 days. The Average Daily Population (ADP) formula doesn't consider how many persons are booked monthly or annually. SCORE's admissions for the month of January 2025, is 3.64 times higher than just an ADP.
The reality is that people in jails have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, behavioral health issues, and substance use disorders. SCORE contracts for 24/7 medical care, behavioral healthcare, and dentistry services to provide a complete spectrum of care for urgent medical needs. SCORE has several systems in place to monitor, treat, and respond to medical emergencies. SCORE is accredited by the National Commission of Correctional Health Care, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and is certified as PREA compliant.
SCORE holds the highest level of respect and concern for the deceased and their families. As shared with the PubliCola reporter, proper authorization must be received before releasing protected information and delays can occur until that authorization is received.
Throughout the past 10 months SCORE has had numerous correspondences with PubliCola’s reporter about SCORE’s comprehensive approach to care, including its focus on mental health services, addiction recovery and enhancing public safety. We have consistently answered his questions and provided timely, transparent and authentic information.
Below is a link to SCORE’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) containing accurate information for our community to read.