Risk Management Department

The Department of Corrections' Risk Management Department protects agency staff, offenders and the public by reducing the risks associated with operating any correctional program. The Risk Management Department is responsible for two major program areas: Risk Management and Safety. 

The Risk Management Program

identifies risks associated with agency operations through the use of tools and concepts such as data/trend analysis. Steps are then taken to reduce the risks.  Other duties of the Risk Management program include:

• Managing all tort claims and lawsuits filed against the Department of Corrections, with the authority to negotiate settlements on behalf of the agency;
• Acting as liaison between the agency and the Office of the Attorney General’s Torts Division;
• Managing the agency’s insurance program, including the Washington State Self Insurance Liability Program and various commercial insurances.

The Safety Program

is designed to ensure that Department of Corrections facilities and programs comply with federal and state safety laws.  The program also identifies potential hazards and establishes statewide safety standards.  Other aspects of the Safety Program include:

• Auditing or evaluating agency safety programs;
• Providing safety training;
• Creating safety bulletins and materials.