Danielle Armbruster

The primary agenda item involved a full Board discussion concerning a Pre-84 case, specifically Randall Morgan (DOC #628635), convicted of Murder in the First Degree. Key discussion points included a recent prosecutor's recommendation against release, Mr. Morgan's limited participation in psychological evaluations and programming over the last decade, and his lack of insight into the crime. The panel unanimously recommended that Mr. Morgan not be released and proposed adding 24 months to his minimum term. Specific recommendations included mandatory substance use treatment, participation in sober support groups and other change programs, remaining infraction-free, developing a release plan, and securing a psychological evaluation for the next scheduled hearing.

Key discussion points included updates on holiday door decorating allowances and meal plans. The council reviewed the status of statewide council items and received a presentation from the Officer of the Chief of Operations (OCO) regarding job duties and pending reports, such as food and fatality reports. Old business covered holiday plans, reviewing Return on Investment (ROI) forms, and distributing Telehealth information, with plans to secure space for facilitating these meetings. New business focused heavily on recurring issues with visitation kiosks across multiple units, leading to a commitment to investigate reported problems with the vendor. Release planning procedures were detailed, covering timelines for release addresses, potential reasons for address denial such as location restrictions or criminal history, and ensuring incarcerated individuals are informed of denial factors. Concerns were raised regarding staff conduct in Veteran's pods, specifically the use of red flashlights and loud noise, prompting a commitment to improve staff mindfulness regarding PTSD and traumatic experiences. The committee plans to distribute new menus monthly, including holiday-style meals. The transition of B Unit A pod to a therapeutic community to mitigate WAC 603 infractions was noted. Roundtable discussions addressed investigating the feasibility of starting a dog program, securing a volunteer to offer Yoga for Prisoners at the MSU, clarifying door decorating notifications for new residents, addressing issues with rejected videos sent via mail, obtaining information from Securus regarding tablet data transfer, and directing inquiries about book ordering policies to headquarters personnel rather than resolving locally. Finally, updates were provided on efforts to improve Electronic Facility Visitation (EFV) units, including running cables and changing screen doors.

The Board held a full Board discussion regarding the case of Carl Langendorf (DOC #287495), who is under the Board's jurisdiction for a conviction of Murder in the Second Degree. Discussions included his criminal history, current risk assessment showing a moderate risk to re-offend, and his request to utilize the Mutual Re-Entry Plan (MRP). The panel unanimously recommended that Mr. Langendorf not be released and proposed adding 60 months to his Minimum Term due to his continued denial of the index offense and failure to complete sufficient programming for rehabilitation. Recommendations included participation in various treatment programs like SOTAP and Mental Health Treatment, remaining infraction-free, and developing a release plan for the next scheduled hearing.

The meeting, led by Jamie Nolan, Director of Correctional Industries, covered third quarter updates for the CI advisory committee. A guest speaker, Mr. Duval, an incarcerated worker from the optical shop, was scheduled to present. The committee formally welcomed Representative Brian Bernett, who will succeed Representative Dan Griffy. Department of Corrections Assistant Secretary for Re-entry, Daniel Armbruster, reported on budgetary difficulties leading to the closure of three re-entry centers (Peninsula, Autonom View, and Tri Cities) by October 1st, which will eliminate re-entry center availability in Southeast Washington. He also mentioned hosting legislative tours in preparation for the upcoming 60-day session. Deputy Secretary Scott Russell provided updates on agency prioritization, noting approximately 50 ongoing projects, and the plan to focus on the top five to ten for completion. Division updates included Braille services issuing 11 certifications and improving timelines for brush and music projects. Computer Aided Design (CAD) services reported on training in new software (Eshot) and current projects, including design work for a new forensic hospital building and the Pritchard building on the Capitol campus. The Furniture Division update highlighted challenges due to the spending freeze and agencies seeking exemptions from the mandatory use contract, which negatively impacts the integrated program involving manufacturing at Stafford Creek, design at WCCCW, and installation support from Cedar Creek Correction Centers, impacting approximately 220 program participants.

The regular board meeting included a review of hearings calendars through April 2026 and detailed monthly data comparisons for October and November 2025 concerning release hearings, violation hearings, and various administrative actions. Discussions in the Chair's Report covered the Governor's budget submission, updates from representatives serving on the Sentencing Guidelines Commission and the Sex Offender Policy Board, and a review of a Court of Appeal decision regarding the Accountability to You monitoring software. The Executive Director's Report highlighted plans for utilizing CePrison for communication with incarcerated individuals, an upcoming presentation on recidivism, the start date for two interns, and the finalization of the Strategic Plan and Biennial Report. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss cases and the FPE referral process.