Settlement Reached in 2012 Inmate Death

Snohomish County has reached a settlement agreement in the case of Michael Saffioti, who died while incarcerated in the Snohomish County Jail on July 3, 2012.

“The death of Mr. Saffioti was a tragedy,” said Sheriff Trenary.  “To own up for our mistakes and to cover litigation costs, the county has paid $620,000 in this settlement.”

A number of improvements to the jail’s medical housing unit, as well as booking procedures, have been made since Sheriff Trenary was appointed in 2013, including:

• Restrictions that prevent inmates with serious health conditions from being booked for non-violent misdemeanors
• Reviewing and improving the jail’s evidence-based health care policy
• Screening all inmates at booking by a health care professional
• Hiring a new Health Services director, five additional nurses and one doctor
• Implementing a mortality review process
• Implementing an electronic medical record system

In addition, current jail medical staff and nurses are in the process of obtaining certification from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

“The jail continues to be a safer, more secure detention facility every day because of the changes that have been implemented,” said Sheriff Trenary.

The settlement agreement was presented to the Snohomish County Council today.  Details of the settlement are contained in the Settlement Agreement which is available via public records request.