Click this graphic to go to the search results page on NorthwestCitizen where you can access any of these reports.
Keep reading this series of reports on NorthwestCitizen to get an in-depth look at the history of the plan for a horizontal mega-jail. The next installment after those shown in this screenshot of search results for “Illusion of Inclusion” on NorthwestCitizen is also available on their website (it has a slightly different title). Continue reading
May 11, 2017
Across the nation local jurisdictions—where 40 percent of inmates are incarcerated—have recognized that increasing incarceration does not increase public safety. In fact, there are proven alternatives to incarceration that reduce recidivism and therefore do increase public safety. Continue reading
May 11, 2017 Dena Jensen
I got an email from Sheriff Elfo this morning in response to an email I wrote back on March 30, to the Jail Stakeholder Work Group (my email is shown in the graphic). This resistance-is-futile kind of quote from the Sheriff bugs me the most: “Despite all that is being done and can be done outside the context of the jail, there will continue to be a need for a jail. The law requires it.” Continue reading
September 2, 2016 Joy Gilfilen
I am delighted that we are, nationwide, are finally getting bigger press for the injustices in our jails. It seems to be systemic failures and the problem is getting identified.
I have found that in Whatcom County, there are people experiencing the same kinds of medical and health problems from lack of the responsible administration in taking care of inmates. And this is not because of overcrowding caused by crime. It seems to be disrespect and disregard by staff, led by poor management and failures inside our administrative systems. Continue reading
If you click the graphic link above you can page back and forth between the three proposed Whatcom County Jail planning resolutions up for review by the county council tonight.
March 8, 2016 Dena Jensen
Former candidate for Whatcom County Executive in the November 2016 election, and human rights activist, Joy Gilfilen alerted people on Facebook today about resolutions regarding jail planning that are up for review by the Whatcom County Council tonight, March 8, 2016. Continue reading
December 30, 2015 Wendy Harris
A few facts about the new contract with Yakima jail are red flags that should concern all of us. Continue reading
The Voice of AuthorityMon, Oct 26, 2015, 2:57 pm Tip Johnson
This election, featuring a huge jail tax proposition, has seen much talk about the “dilapidated” jail that is “literally falling apart.” In a questionable jail mailer Sheriff Elfo cites, “severe and unsustainable conditions within the jail that jeopardize staff, visitors and inmates.”
This begs the obvious: Why has the jail not been fixed after taxpayers approved a sales tax to do so? According to a letter from Elfo to County Executive Jack Louws on April 22, 2015, Elfo says, “it would be imprudent to invest major capital to remodel and continue utilizing a facility” described as “inadequate, failing and dangerous.” That makes their 2004 jail tax campaign look like a bait and switch. And when was that decision made? By whom? Does Elfo really have the authority to overturn the electorate’s intentions? […]
Deceptive and very definitely a promotion piece for the proposition. Created by the very consultants who stand to profit from the passage of the tax increase.Sun, Oct 18, 2015, 12:37 pm John Servais
The jail proposition must be stopped. Of all the items on the ballot, this one is the most onerous and devastating. Continue reading
noisy waters northwest 
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