Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 291 - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Oregon Administrative Rules – Chapter 291: Department of Corrections
🔹 Overview:
Chapter 291 of the Oregon Administrative Rules outlines the rules, procedures, and standards that govern the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC). This agency is responsible for the custody, care, rehabilitation, and supervision of adults sentenced to prison in Oregon.
These rules are designed to ensure safe, secure, humane, and lawful operations of prisons and correctional programs across the state.
🔹 Key Areas Covered by Chapter 291:
Inmate Admission and Classification
Rules for intake and processing of newly sentenced individuals.
Inmates are classified based on risk, behavior, and needs to determine housing, programs, and supervision levels.
Facility Operations and Security
Detailed procedures for searches, restraints, movement control, emergency responses, and other safety-related matters.
Guidelines for maintaining order and discipline within prisons.
Inmate Rights and Responsibilities
Establishes rules of conduct for incarcerated individuals.
Defines disciplinary processes, appeal rights, and sanctions.
Protects basic rights such as access to medical care, religious practice, communication, and visitation (with conditions).
Health Services
Standards for medical, dental, and mental health care.
Rules on health screenings, chronic disease management, medication use, and confidentiality of health records.
Rehabilitation and Reentry Programs
Rules governing educational programs, substance abuse treatment, vocational training, and personal development.
Support for inmates preparing to reenter society, including parole planning and release processes.
Inmate Grievance System
Provides a formal process for inmates to report concerns or file complaints about prison conditions, treatment, or staff behavior.
Visitation and Communication
Guidelines for inmate mail, phone calls, and visits with approved family, friends, or professionals.
Rules for suspending or denying communication due to safety or policy violations.
Use of Force and Discipline
Clear definitions and limitations on the use of physical force, restraints, and disciplinary segregation.
Emphasis on de-escalation, proportional response, and documentation.
Parole and Post-Prison Supervision
Collaboration with the Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision to manage parole decisions and community supervision rules.
Personnel Conduct and Ethics
Sets professional standards of conduct for correctional staff, including expectations for training, reporting, and avoiding abuse of authority.
🔹 Importance of Chapter 291:
This chapter ensures that Oregon’s correctional system operates legally, ethically, and effectively. It balances the need for security and discipline with respect for human rights and rehabilitation.
By setting consistent rules across facilities, it protects inmates, staff, and the public while promoting outcomes like reduced recidivism and safer communities.
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