Green Hill Taking Additional Steps to Address Growing Safety Concerns Around Contraband and New Type of Synthetic Drug
Olympia, WA – Green Hill School has implemented new restrictions and increased the volume of searches at the juvenile rehabilitation facility as part of a concentrated effort to address a growing concern around contraband that is being exacerbated due to the ongoing overcrowding crisis.
In the last two weeks, Green Hill staff responded to 8 medical emergencies involving contraband.
“More young people on campus means we can’t safely monitor everyone, leading to an increased risk of contraband,” said DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter. “We are very concerned about this and feel that something tragic could happen if we don’t address the overcrowding and take aggressive steps to reduce the introduction of contraband.”
Green Hill’s population as of Dec. 17 is 239, nearly 60 young people above capacity. The facility hovered just above the 180 mark until it hit a spike in March 2024 when it jumped to 231. It has remained around 230 ever since.
Part of the challenge the facility is facing is that these medical incidents are not due to fentanyl, instead, Green Hill staff believe they are dealing with synthetic drugs that are harder to detect and easier to introduce on campus — a challenge that correctional facilities are facing across the nation.
These drugs are chemically made versions of illegal drugs but are slightly altered to avoid having them classified as illegal and harder to detect. As they become illegal, manufacturers alter the composition to avoid detection and prosecution.
“These drugs mimic some of the symptoms of overdoses but do not respond to Narcan,” said DCYF Assistant Secretary of Juvenile Rehabilitation Felice Upton. "These synthetics, often referred to as 'K2' or 'Spice,' are dangerous and can cause psychosis and medical complications such as cardiac and respiratory issues, which could lead to death.”
Upton says Green Hill has implemented or is in the process of implementing the following safety measures to combat the smuggling of contraband:
- Limiting resident access to units they are not assigned to
- Increasing the volume of searches
- Reducing the number of visitors per visit
- Implementing no contact during visitation
- Providing copies of mail to young people rather than the original piece of mail (except for legal mail)
- Implementing a clear bag policy for staff and contractors entering campus
- Limiting additional food from staff and contractors coming onto campus
- Identifying additional treatment options for young people struggling with substance use
“I want to express my appreciation to all the staff at Green Hill, but specifically those who have been more frequent first responders,” said Interim Green Hill Superintendent Jennifer Redman. “This is not the work they show up to do but it is the harsh reality of our situation.”
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Contact:
Nancy Gutierrez, Communications Administrator|360-742-6418 |nancy.gutierrez@dcyf.wa.gov
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