LYNNWOOD — With a jail that lacks the space for an inmate recreation area and is forced to use a converted closet as a medical office, the Lynnwood Police Department says it needs more room.
At Monday night’s council meeting, the police department will present a roughly $48 million plan to expand the Lynnwood Civic Justice Center, which houses the police department, municipal court and jail, at 194th Street SW and 44th Avenue W.
The proposal calls for construction of a new police department building on a city-owned lot next door. Using this piece of land allows for the police, jail and court to remain adjacent and reduces land acquisition costs, according to a presentation planned by the police department.
The current facility would then be remodeled, adding a courtroom, jury rooms and staff work spaces while expanding the jail area.
More parking also would be built on the site. A preliminary design shows a three-level underground parking structure with 225 spots.
The police department also is recommending a partnership with Community Health Center of Snohomish County, which has a location next door.
The relationship would allow the health care center to expand by sharing parking with the city, and provide medical care to inmates at significantly reduced costs.
A 2018 survey of Lynnwood inmates found over 75 percent said they had an addiction to drugs or alcohol and that same number said they would enter treatment. A partnership with Community Health could bring medical assistance for those detainees with opioid addictions. The medication is easing the strain on the Snohomish County Jail, where it was introduced in 2018. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and can be used as a long-term treatment option.
Lizz Giordano: 425-374-4165; egiordano@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @lizzgior.
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