NEWSROOM

May 31, 2024 - (Des Moines, WA) — South Correctional Entity (SCORE) has successfully completed a rigorous accreditation program that certifies it is operating under best practices and standards for law enforcement. The program is administered by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) and involves a comprehensive review process over several months.

“We are proud to be accredited by WASPC,” said Devon Schrum, Executive Director. “It means our agency has achieved the highest professional standards for jail management demonstrating continued compliance with all 173 professional standards.” "A third accreditation highlights the continued professionalism and dedication of all SCORE employees and supports SCORE's mission to provide the highest quality public safety services."     

“SCORE has worked hard to obtain this achievement,” said Steven Strahan, WASPC executive director. “The community should be proud of their taking direct and tangible steps to earn the public’s confidence in their operations.” Benefits of accreditation include proven administrative effectiveness, operational safety and security, and excellent employment practices. The certification is awarded for a four-year period when the re-accreditation process begins. SCORE's 2024 accreditation follows its previous accreditations in 2016 and 2020. 

The South Correctional Entity is owned and operated by the cities of Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Renton, SeaTac, and Tukwila. SCORE is also recognized for these distinguishing awards: Accreditation with the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare, Prison Rape Elimination Act Certification through the Department of Justice and serves as a Bureau of Justice Administration National Mentor Site for Medication for Opioid Use Disorder treatment in a corrections setting. 

South Correctional Entity successfully completed a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Audit

January 30, 2024 — The South Correctional Entity successfully completed a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Audit on January 30, 2024. Department of Justice certified PREA Auditor Ericka Sage found SCORE in compliance with every provision of the 45 PREA Audit standards. The Auditor also found SCORE exceeded standards regarding education, classification, and reporting investigative findings. The audit encompasses a broad spectrum of jail operations which must meet national standards regarding safety and best practices. SCORE leadership is proud that every employee in the organization contributes to a safe environment in the facility.

SCORE PREA Audit Final Report (PDF) - Published 01/30/2024

SCORE HOSTS WASHINGTON STATEWIDE REENTRY COUNCIL CONCERTS AND LISTENING CIRCLES

June 24, 2026

In June 2026, SCORE hosted multiple visits from the Washington Statewide Reentry Council who partnered with a musical artist sharing testimony and songs of hope. Matt Butler, Reckless Son, shared songs of encouragement and recovery with detainees.  This was followed by a group of participants meeting for a Listening Circle. Listening Circles are rooted in indigenous cultures and foster an environment for communication and empathy.  Command staff, corrections officers and support staff came together to facilitate these events, and we look forward to hosting more events in the future. This is one example of many collaborative partnerships which allow SCORE to carry out our public service mission with courtesy and professionalism.  Washington Statewide Reentry Council – Washington State Department of Commerce.

SOUTH CORRECTIONAL ENTITY RECEIVES CLEAN ACCOUNTABILITY AUDIT REPORT FROM WASHINGTON STATE AUDITOR’S OFFICE

December 30, 2025

DES MOINES, Wash., - December 30, 2025 - South Correctional Entity (SCORE) is pleased to announce it has received a clean accountability audit report from the Washington State Auditor's Office for the period of two years, from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.

The audit found that the entity’s operations were compliant with the applicable laws, regulations and policies and have adequate controls in place to safeguard public resources.

“The recognition for two years of clean audits goes to our employees, who uphold our policies and diligently maintain our key core values of service, respect and excellence,” said Devon Schrum, SCORE Executive Director.  

The audit examined a variety of areas, including accounts payable, electronic funds transfers, payroll, tracking and monitoring small and attractive items, compliance with Trueblood Department of Social and Health Services interlocal agreement terms, financial condition, and open public meetings. SCORE received positive results in all areas examined.

SCORE Media Statement April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

On March 25, 2025, at approximately 8:11 p.m., SCORE corrections staff were alerted that there was a possible drug overdose. Staff found the 36-year-old male unresponsive in his bed. Staff immediately began life-saving measures and continued until South King County Fire and Rescue arrived and assumed care. South King County Fire and Rescue transported the individual to a hospital for further care and evaluation. Sadly, SCORE was notified that the individual died on March 28, 2025.

SCORE remains committed to providing the highest quality care and jail services and takes any loss seriously. SCORE is conducting an Unexpected Fatality Review as required by RCW 70.48.510.  SCORE is also working with the City of SeaTac Police Department to investigate and seek referral for prosecution if this death is determined to be the result of a drug overdose.  

The difficult reality is that people in jails have a higher prevalence of substance use disorders, chronic diseases, and behavioral health issues. According to the King County Medical Examiner's Office Real-Time Overdose Surveillance, as of 03/26/2025, so far this year in King County, there have been 249 overdose deaths with 34 more deaths pending confirmations. To address this difficult reality, SCORE conducts numerous and regular searches and enhanced this effort by bringing in a Narcotic Detection Dog Team to conduct additional and focused searches this week. Currently, SCORE is on a waiting list to obtain its own Narcotic Detection Dog.       

Because this is an on-going law enforcement investigation, SCORE cannot provide further comment at this time.

Below is a link to SCORE’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

SCORE Frequently Asked Questions