(1) The department shall establish, by rule, inmate eligibility standards for participation in the work release program.

(2) The department shall:

(a) Conduct an annual examination of each work release facility and its security procedures;

(b) Investigate and set standards for the inmate supervision policies of each work release facility;

(c) Establish physical standards for future work release structures to ensure the safety of inmates, employees, and the surrounding communities;

(d) Evaluate its recordkeeping of serious infractions to determine if infractions are properly and consistently assessed against inmates eligible for work release;

(e) Establish a written treatment plan best suited to the inmate's needs, cost, and the relationship of community placement and community corrections officers to a system of case management;

(f) Adopt a policy to encourage businesses employing work release inmates to contact the appropriate work release facility whenever an inmate is absent from his or her work schedule. The department of corrections shall provide each employer with written information and instructions on who should be called if a work release employee is absent from work or leaves the jobsite without authorization; and

(g) Develop a siting policy, in conjunction with cities, counties, community groups, and the department of commerce for the establishment of additional work release facilities. Such policy shall include at least the following elements: (i) Guidelines for appropriate site selection of work-release facilities; (ii) notification requirements to local government and community groups of intent to site a work release facility; and (iii) guidelines for effective community relations by the work release program operator.

The department shall comply with the requirements of this section by July 1, 1990.

Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.