“Only marginally better than a coin flip”

We filed a class action lawsuit against the WA Department of Corrections (DOC) for using faulty drug tests to justify cruel punishment, including months in solitary confinement. The cheap colorimetric tests are designed to screen paper items for certain chemicals and must be followed by laboratory testing to confirm the presence of drugs. In 2021, a Massachusetts court forced that state’s DOC to stop using similar tests, describing them as “only marginally better than a coin flip” at identifying drugs. However, Washington prison officials are imposing harsh punishment on people based on the cheap tests alone.

We are proud to stand with Mr. Bell, Mr. Ross, and many others, to make sure DOC cannot target and harm people in their custody with no cause or recourse.

You can read more on our website or from The Spokesman Review.