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SCORE Introduces First-Ever Dedicated Narcotics Detection K-9 to Strengthen Jail Safety

Officer Markus Charboneau and K-9 Kova begin service following state certification

DES MOINES, Wash. — August 5, 2026 — The South Correctional Entity (SCORE) is proud to announce the addition of its first-ever dedicated narcotics detection K-9, Kova, who has officially begun service inside the regional correctional facility following graduation from the Washington State Department of Corrections' K-9 Training Program.

Kova and handler Corrections Officer Markus Charboneau were among five K-9 teams to graduate from the state certification program, which prepares handlers and dogs to detect fentanyl, other illicit drugs and contraband in correctional facilities across Washington. All of the dogs that completed the program are rescue dogs, given a second chance through careers in public service.

Now on duty at SCORE, Officer Charboneau and Kova are conducting proactive searches throughout the facility to help detect and deter the introduction of narcotics. The K-9 team strengthens SCORE's ongoing commitment to providing a safe, secure environment while helping reduce the risks associated with illicit drugs entering the jail.

"Welcoming Kova as SCORE's first dedicated narcotics detection K-9 marks an important milestone for our organization and reflects our continued commitment to safety," said Devon Schrum, Executive Director of SCORE. "The presence of a highly trained K-9 team gives us another valuable tool to detect fentanyl, other illicit drugs and drug contraband before they can endanger the people who stay and work in our facility. Congratulations to Officer Charboneau and Kova on completing this rigorous training. We know they will make a meaningful impact from day one."

The Washington State Department of Corrections' K-9 Training Program equips correctional agencies throughout Washington with certified narcotics detection teams that support safer correctional environments by locating hidden drugs and other prohibited items before they can pose a threat inside facilities.

SOUTH CORRECTIONAL ENTITY CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF NARCOTIC DETECTION CANINE TEAM

July 10, 2026

On July 8, 2026, the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) congratulated our Narcotic Detection Canine Team on graduating from the Washington State Department of Corrections Narcotic Detection Canine Academy. Graduation from this academy requires the Narcotic Detection Canine and Handler to complete rigorous requirements and demonstrate excellence in their work as partners. The Narcotic Detection Canine Team adds a valuable contribution to carrying out SCORE's vision and steadfast commitment to safety. We look forward to sharing more about SCORE's Narcotic Detection Canine Team in the future.

SOUTH CORRECTIONAL ENTITY HOSTS WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS NARCOTIC DETECTION CANINE TEAM ACADEMY SEARCHES

July 9, 2026

On July 7, 2026, the Washington State Department of Corrections Narcotic Detection Canine Academy conducted searches at South Correctional Entity (SCORE). The academy class was made up of five Narcotic Detection Canine Teams, each team consisting of a Narcotic Detection Canine and Handler. The teams represented agencies across the state including Grant County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington State Patrol, and SCORE. The teams were able to search multiple locations throughout the facility. This collaborative effort enhances the safety of the facility and reinforces SCORE's commitment to providing the highest quality public safety services.

SOUTH CORRECTIONAL ENTITY HOSTS CLARK COUNTY JAIL VISIT

July 6, 2026

Recently the South Correctional Entity had the opportunity to host leadership from the Clark County Jail. We were able to share information about SCORE's medical services, Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Program, and innovative technology used throughout the facility. It is an honor to collaborate with other law enforcement professionals seeking the best ways to serve our communities. Thank you to Clark County Command Staff, Classifications Staff, Programs Manager, and Medical Professionals for taking the time to visit us to share and exchange knowledge and experience in the field of corrections.

Learn more about Clark County Jail here:

(https://www.instagram.com/p/DaTuL5lDwec/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)

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 Accredited for highest professional standards of Jail Management

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

Media Statements

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

SCORE Response to February 21, 2025, PubliCola Item

UPDATED MARCH 13, 2025

The viewpoints and misleading narrative expressed within the online publication PubliCola on February 21, 2025, regarding SCORE, provides misinformation to the public and does not accurately reflect SCORE or its dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality public safety services by putting detainee care at the center of its mission.

We take any loss seriously and remain committed to providing the highest quality care and jail services, however, the assertion that SCORE has a death rate five times greater than the national average is inaccurate, false and misleading. This error diverts attention from the critical work we do each day at SCORE, focusing on the well-being of the people and the communities we serve.

What you need to know, and why it matters:

During its 14 years, the jail has had 15 unexpected fatalities, each of which were investigated thoroughly. Currently under investigation is one death that occurred in a hospital and presumed to be from natural causes.

While SCORE continues to strive to provide the highest quality public safety services to those it serves, it is necessary to point out that many of these deaths were related to the serious Fentanyl epidemic continuing to claim thousands of lives in our country.

It is important to note that the Mortality in Correctional Institutions (MCI) data, collected from 2000 to 2019, is approximately six years old and is designed for national-level comparisons and not for jurisdictional analyses. The report specifically warns that random variation can be large when the number of deaths is small. As a result, the report says caution is warranted when interpreting statistics for a small sample size such as a single jail.

PubliCola is not considering, while encouraged to in several email exchanges, the number of admissions that occur during a monthly period. SCORE has a high intake rate, meaning a fast population turnover. As a result, Average Daily Population (ADP) alone does not accurately reflect the number of individuals passing through its doors. Since SCORE books more people than ADP captures, the actual per capita death rate is lower than what has been reported.

The reality is that people in jails have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, behavioral health issues, and substance use disorders. SCORE contracts for 24/7 medical care, behavioral healthcare, and dentistry services to provide a complete spectrum of care for urgent medical needs. SCORE has several systems in place to monitor, treat, and respond to medical emergencies. SCORE is accredited by the National Commission of Correctional Health Care, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and is certified as PREA compliant.

SCORE holds the highest level of respect and concern for the deceased and their families. As shared with the PubliCola reporter, proper authorization must be received before releasing protected information and delays can occur until that authorization is received.

Throughout the past 10 months SCORE has had numerous correspondences with PubliCola’s reporter about SCORE’s comprehensive approach to care, including its focus on mental health services, addiction recovery and enhancing public safety. We have consistently answered his questions and provided timely, transparent and authentic information.

In addition, on March 10, 2025, KUOW released a podcast interviewing the PubliCola reporter on this article. Our media statement stands, and after working with KUOW, the misinformation has been corrected on their end. See their retraction here: https://www.kuow.org/stories/11-people-have-died-at-a-south-king-county-jail-in.

Below is a link to SCORE’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) containing accurate information for our community to read.