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Questions & Answers (3/30/99)
Link to Deschutes Conservation Camp News Release
What is the Deschutes Conservation Camp, and why is it being developed?
The Oregon Department of Corrections is usually able to send work crews out within a 60-mile radius of its prisons. Because the Deschutes National Forest is more than 60 miles from a DOC institution, the U.S. Forest Service asked us to test the concept of a mobile inmate work camp and design a camp model that may be replicated in other locations throughout Oregon.
What types of work will the inmates do?
The emphasis will be on labor-intensive projects such as noxious weed removal, riparian zone restoration, excess fuel reduction, and tree thinning. Inmates will gain a greater understanding of not only the work they are doing but the importance of this work to the larger public land management goals. Approximately 20 inmates will be trained in chain saw operations and become certified sawyers.
What are the dates of operation of the mobile work camp?
The eight-week pilot is scheduled to begin May 3 and run through June 25.
How many inmates will live and work there?
Eighty work crew and five camp-support inmates will live and work in the camp.
Where will the camp be located?
The camp will be located in the Deschutes National Forest, about 30 miles from Bend. We are not publicizing the exact location of the camp for security concerns. These concerns include unauthorized visitors, the introduction of contraband, and curiosity seekers.
How will forest visitors identify the location of the camp and where inmates are working?
The camp will be posted as an inmate work camp and will be off-limits to visitors unless approved in advance by the camp commander. Work sites also will be marked. Inmates will be clearly identifiable by their blue-denim clothing stamped "INMATE" in orange.
Can we go see the camp site?
The selected site is currently inaccessible because of snow. We plan to invite reporters and community leaders to tour the camp in early June. At this time members of the media will be allowed to interview partnership participants - including inmates - and to see areas where work is being done.
How visible will the camp be from the road?
The camp will not be visible from any primary road. Someone approaching the camp will see signs that a correctional facility is ahead and be warned not to enter.
Who is in charge of the camp?
Captain Jeff Forbes will serve as camp commander. Capt. Forbes has a 23-year history with the Department of Corrections, and will be in charge of all camp and security operations. As with any DOC facility, the department´s full compliment of security and other authorities are available to provide assistance as needed.
Additionally, Mike Slater - a 28-year Corrections employee - will serve as the department´s liaison with the camp´s partners.
How will the inmates be supervised?
Eight 10-man crews will go out to work sites in the forest, each supervised by a correctional officer. In camp, additional correctional officers will supervise the inmates.
What will the inmates´ work day be like?
The inmates will work 10 hours a day, six days a week in the forests. The inmates will not have visitors at the camp, and will not work Sundays. Arrangements have been made for religious services on Sundays.
How will camp support be provided?
Joining the partnership, the Oregon National Guard will provide a mobile kitchen. Eight National Guard staff will plan menus, shop, and prepare the meals as a training exercise.
Who will pay the costs of the camp?
The Department of Corrections is building a mobile shower unit, and purchased the tents, cots and sleeping bags from Federal Surplus. The costs of operating the camp will be shared by the Department of Corrections and the U.S. Forest Service (with the Oregon National Guard sharing kitchen-staffing costs with the DOC).
How will local law enforcement be involved in the camp?
As at all the department´s correctional facilities, the DOC will work closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding community. For example, if any problems arise, agreements are in place to temporarily house inmates in the Deschutes County Jail while awaiting DOC´s transport to a state correctional facility.
Is there a plan in case of escape? How can the community get this information? What steps will be provided for the area´s security?
Department of Corrections´ representatives have met with local law enforcement agencies to develop a local notification plan in the event of an inmate escape. The media will be notified of any safety or security situations of concern, including escape.
Will the camp be fenced?
No. The camp will have round-the-clock correctional officer supervision, but will not be fenced.
What are the sentences and crimes of inmates at the camp?
An inmate designated as "minimum custody" presents minimal risk of escape, violence, and disruption to the safe and secure operation of a DOC facility or work crew. The offenders could have been sentenced for any crime.
Will sex offenders be part of the Deschutes Conservation Camp work crews?
Sex offenders will not be placed in the Conservation Camp.
Will correctional officers be armed?
No, correctional officer are not armed. While on work crews, correctional officers are equipped with radios and cell phones to make contact with the camp and local law enforcement should an emergency arise.
What makes an inmate "minimum security"?
An inmate assigned to minimum custody level presents minimal risk of escape, violence, and disruption to the safe and secure operation of a DOC facility or work crew. Minimum-custody inmates are within three years of release back to their communities.
How will supplies for the camp be purchased? Will any purchases be made locally?
Agreements have been made with local vendors for fresh water, propane fuel, and garbage service. Most food supplies will be purchased through United Grocers and other local vendors. Additionally, the community may see some economic benefit from purchases made by off-duty correctional officers.
What happens at the end of the pilot project?
All the stakeholders involved, including local law enforcement, will evaluate the success and cost-to-benefit ratio of the Deschutes Conservation Camp. This will serve as the basis of discussion for whether other similar camps are feasible in the future.
For more information, please contact Nancy DeSouza, Communication Manager,
Inmate Work Programs, Oregon Department of Corrections at (503) 373-7604, ext. 236
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