There shall be annexed to the police force of each city in this state having a population of not less than ten thousand inhabitants one or more police matrons who, subject to the control of the chief of police or other proper officer, shall have the immediate care of all females under arrest and while detained in the city prison until they are finally discharged therefrom.

The police matron or matrons employed or appointed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be employed or appointed in the same manner as other regular members of the police departments in the city where the appointment is made.

Any person on the police force or, in their absence, any other person present, must aid and assist the matron when from necessity she may require it.

A police matron must be paid such compensation for her services as shall be fixed by the city council and at such time as may be appointed for the payment of police officers.

Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

For the purpose of effecting the main object of this chapter, no member of one sex under arrest shall be confined in the same cell or apartment of the city jail or prison, with any member of the other sex whatever.

Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.