The Case for Strong Drug and Alcohol Programs
 
The National Institute for Justice, Drug Use Forecasting Program, reports that 70 percent of all offenders, at time of arrest, test positive for illegal drugs, not including alcohol. In addition, when presented with the testing process, 50 percent of the arrested individuals deny any drug use or misrepresent what testing will find.
 
Since 77 percent of all inmates have an identified drug-related problem at ODOC intake/assessment, and since drug treatment has long been one of Oregon´s most effective programs, this data makes a strong case for investing in an expanded drug education and treatment program. Oregon currently provides services to about 76 percent of the individuals identified as needing treatment.

 
Inmate Work Programs Update

• Inmate Work Program´s administrative offices moved to the vacant former Lottery Building at 2767 22nd Street SE, Salem. The new phone number is (503) 373-7604.
• A furniture showroom will soon open at 2585 State Street in Salem. Inmate-produced furniture will be displayed. Call (503)378-2449 for an appointment.
• In keeping with Measure 17´s mandate to operate in a "businesslike fashion," Inmate Work Programs has a new assumed business name: Inside Oregon Enterprises was chosen to reflect ODOC´s diverse business interests and pride in Oregon. The new name and logo will be used in commercial applications. "Inmate Work Programs" will be used to describe day-to-day noncommercial activities.
• Inside Oregon Enterprises´ new office furniture catalog is now available. To receive a catalog, please call (503) 378-2449 or (800) 776-7712.
• The week ending 12/13/97, 57% of eligible inmates were in full compliance with Measure 17, 28% were in partial compliance and 15% were idle.  
  

Retirees Honored
 
On February 2, ODOC saluted its 40 retirees for 1997. Their combined experience added up to 712.8 years. The most senior of the bunch had 33.3 years of service and the most junior retired with 1.4 years under her belt.
The most novel retiree was Sheila, a 10-year old golden retriever. She was the first drug detection dog stationed in Eastern Oregon. In her 6-year career Sheila aided in the resolution of more than 500 drug-related cases for many agencies, not just the DOC. Additionally, she and her handler performed dozens of educational presentations and demonstrations for schools and community organizations.


Programs and Institutions Move Forward Together
 
The ODOC continues its long tradition of sound innovation in correctional practices. Over the last two years the department has automated its intake assessment process. The outcome is an Offender Incarceration Plan. Additionally the department developed 24-hour automated schedules for each offender in the prison system. Consistent with Ballot Measure 17 (the inmate work act), an Offender Performance Recognition and Award System replaced traditional pay for inmates. In the future look for a new generation of work and training opportunities spawned by our successful basic education programs. Need more information? Contact Mary McCulloch at (503) 945-8877.


SB 1145 Construction Projects
 
With the passage of SB 1145, the Community Corrections Act of 1995, every county was encouraged to review capacity to house the SB 1145 local custody offenders. Each county worked with its local public safety coordinating council to determine what type of correctional facility would best meet its needs and system priorities. There were several multiple-county projects proposed. Three counties indicated they did not need additional incarceration capacity. A total of 21 construction projects were funded by the legislature, increasing incarceration capacity by 1,486 beds.
 
To date, seven projects are complete and eight will come on line by July 1, 1998. Two others are slated for July, 1999 start up. Four are still in the preliminary stages of design and/or siting. Most recently Linn, Yamhill, Marion and Washington counties´ jail projects came on line adding 832 jail beds; 400 of those were financed by the state. Additionally, Benton County opened its new day reporting center.


Offender Stats at a Glance
 
On January 1, 1998, 17,953 offenders were under probation supervision by the counties; 773 of those were admitted in December. Prison admissions that month were 423 as opposed to 505 discharges, making the prison population average 7,773 inmates. The counties are also supervising 9,834 offenders on parole or post-prison supervision.


Construction Update
Two Rivers Correctional Institution, Umatilla: The foundation has been poured and pre-fabricated cells are already on site. The 100-bed minimum custody facility is slated to open later this year to provide on-site housing for inmates working on the project. Snake River Correctional Institution, Ontario: Both minimum and medium beds have come on line. There are 1100 medium beds available, 452 are new. The minimum security facility holds 152 inmates and is near capacity. When completed SRCI will house up to 3,000 inmates. Intake Center/Women´s Prison, Wilsonville: The Legislative Emergency Board approved construction of the new intake center/women´s prison in Wilsonville. The former Dammasch State Hospital was selected as the site. However, the board asked the department to evaluate the suitability of a new piece of property in the Wilsonville vicinity. At press time those evaluations were under way. If no change is made, groundbreaking at the Dammasch site could occur in the late spring. A construction start date has not been projected if the prison is re-sited.  
2/19/98 hagenb

 

last revision 2-28-2000 peg cook