Monroe prison has new maximum-security unit

Wed., Jan. 9, 2008

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

MONROE, Wash. – A new maximum-security unit at the state prison complex in Monroe can hold 200 of the most violent convicts in Washington.

The $40 million unit consists of 6-by-12-foot cells in which the inmates are held 23 hours a day.

Currently, they leave only for showers and exercise.

The Monroe complex has a total of 2,500 inmates.

In addition to the maximum-security unit, it has a sex offender unit, a special offender unit for inmates with mental issues, the minimum-security unit and the Washington State Reformatory for other inmates.

The complex has 1,100 employees.

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