During the most recent City Council Public Safety Committee meeting, Echo Glen Children’s Center Superintendent Daniel White provided an update on security improvements implemented at the facility in response to the November 2023 escape.
The City of Snoqualmie has been advocating for security improvements at Echo Glen – including a full perimeter fence - in response to multiple escapes over the past two years.
Superintendent White explained fencing is currently in the permitting process with King County, with construction of the first phase expected to begin this summer. That first phase includes three sides of fencing and construction of a gate operation control booth. Phase 2, which includes the fence bordering the wetland area, is estimated to finish in summer 2025.
Over the past few months, Echo Glen has implemented several security improvements, including adding contract security services at the front gate to perform visitor screenings, roving patrols of the facility’s perimeter, daily K-9 patrols, as well as providing supplemental cottage security to support facility staff.
Technology enhancements made around the property include portable light towers; wireless seismic ground sensors to monitor key avenues of egress; and later this month, the addition of a self-contained surveillance trailer with a 30-foot pan-tilt-zoom camera for 24/7 video monitoring.
“I am very impressed with the security upgrades made at Echo Glen since the November escape,” said Snoqualmie Police Chief Lynch. “Superintendent White is committed to continued improvements at the facility, as well as collaboration and communication with our City to keep Snoqualmie residents safe.”
You can watch Superintendent White’s presentation to the Public Safety Committee on YouTube. The presentation begins at timestamp 2:30.