Updates from Oregon Department of Corrections

Updates from the Department of Corrections

Keeping families and friends connected to their loved ones

The Department of Corrections continues to work toward improving communication and transparency with the families and friends of adults in custody (AICs). Here are several recent changes designed to make your experience clearer and more convenient.

Mail Rule Improvements

DOC has requested changes to OAR 291-131, which governs AIC mail, to address confusion that both staff and families have experienced. The most significant change removes the previous “20-pound weight restriction” that applied to envelopes, eliminating a source of frequent questions and mail delays, and making envelopes that are more readily available to the public acceptable.

Additionally, the new guidelines explicitly clarify that lined notebook paper is permitted for correspondence. This change should make it easier for families to send correspondence to their loved ones without uncertainty regarding if it will be acceptable.

While these restrictions have been relaxed, please note that colored paper and colored envelopes still remain prohibited under DOC mail policies. Standard weight white paper (lined or unlined) and white envelopes continue to be required.

New Project Tracker Website

DOC has launched a comprehensive project tracker website that provides unprecedented visibility into major initiatives being implemented across the state. This online resource allows families and advocacy groups to monitor progress on significant projects that may impact visiting procedures, facility improvements, programming changes, and other system wide developments.

The tracker offers real-time updates on project timelines, current status, and expected completion dates. This transparency tool represents a significant step forward in keeping stakeholders informed about changes that affect the AIC population and their support networks.  You can see the tracker and sign up to receive updates and ask questions here: https://engage.doc.oregon.gov/ or by scanning the URL to the right with your phone’s camera.

Enhanced Visiting Notifications

Recognizing that unexpected visiting closures create significant inconvenience for families who may travel long distances, DOC has implemented new notification options for visiting schedule changes. Families can now sign up, specific to their facility of interest, to receive both text message and email alerts when visiting is temporarily suspended or cancelled at that facility.

These notifications allow families to adjust their schedules accordingly. The service covers both planned maintenance closures and unexpected security-related visiting suspensions.  You can sign up for these notifications by clicking the banner at the top of Oregon.gov/doc or scanning the URL to the right with your phone’s camera.