Court Intervention Ends for D.C. DOC

With the termination of the Women Prisoners of DC v. District of Columbia class-action lawsuit in September, the District of Columbia Department of Corrections ended 33 years of court oversight and court orders, the mayor's office announced. U.S. Court Judge Emmett G. Sullivan dismissed the order

Mayor Anthony A. Williams praised Sullivan's ruling as further evidence that the District is committed to improving city services and programs for all of its citizens. "The director and staff at D.C. Department of Corrections continue to demonstrate their commitment to meeting the highest standards. I commend them and the attorney general's office for this historic accomplishment," Williams said.

The Women Prisoners case, which was filed in October 1994, alleged that the DOC provided unequal programs and services for female inmates compared with similarly situated male inmates, including educational, vocational, work training and apprenticeship programs. The case also alleged inadequate OB/GYN care, poor physical plant conditions and sexual harassment of female inmates. The DOC improved the quality of the environment services and programs available to female inmates, as well other programs and policies. The case was one of 15 filed during the past 33 years that addressed conditions in the department.

DOC Director Odie Washington said, "We have already made great strides toward building a model jail, and we are pleased that the last court order has been terminated, so we can continue to concentrate on building an effective and accredited correctional system that not only meets but exceeds national standards." Washington cited the $30 million capital improvement program approved by the mayor and City Council for playing a major role in helping to end court oversight and improve conditions.

-Vanessa St. Gerard