People detained at private detention facilities have the right to report concerns about their detention. The 2023 Legislature passed Second Substitute House Bill 1470 (2SHB 1470), Chapter 419, Laws of 2023, Regular Session amending Chapter 70.395 RCW, giving the Washington State Department of Health access to ensure private detention facilities comply with measurable standards providing sanitary, hygienic, and safe conditions for detained persons. This applies to both current and future private detention facilities operating in Washington.
Update as of March 2024: In March 2024, the United States District Court, Western District of Washington preliminarily prohibited the State from enforcing certain provisions of HB 1470 as unconstitutional in the case of Geo Group, Inc. v. Inslee. Therefore, the Department of Health is not conducting inspections or investigations under HB 1470, but the Department is continuing to receive and refer complaints in case the prohibition is removed.
Instructions on Submitting a Complaint
1. Fill out the Online Complaint Form. When you have completed the form and select the Submit button, we'll have your complaint.
2. Fill out the DHS ICE Form: Privacy Waiver Authorizing Disclosure to a Third Party (PDF). This form allows the Department of Health staff to speak to a person at the detention center. Once completed, email it to eph.cru@doh.wa.gov or mail to: EPH Complaint Resolution Unit, PO Box 47820, Olympia, WA 98504.
More Information
Call us toll free at 1-833-770-7500.
Email us at eph.cru@doh.wa.gov.
When we receive your form, we will start looking into the incident. If you think of anything else to add, contact us.
Things to consider while filling out the complaint form: Information in this form is subject to public disclosure. If you want to remain anonymous, do not include your contact information with your complaint. Please be aware that if you do not include contact information, we may not be able to fully investigate or proceed with enforcement action.