Updated: Sept. 18, 2023
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In November 2022, Multnomah County voters approved Measure 26-233, a County Charter amendment recommended by the Multnomah County Charter Review Committee that requires Board members to conduct at least one additional inspection of County jails and correctional institutions administered by the Sheriff's Office per calendar year. The amendment also mandates that at least one volunteer member of the public accompanies each Board member during the inspection.
The application period for members of the public interested in accompanying a Board member during the additional 2023 inspection closed on Sept. 15, 2023.
Application
The deadline to be a volunteer member of the public to accompany a Board member during the additional 2023 inspection has passed.
Requirements and considerations for selected applicants include:
- Applicants will be required to pass a criminal history check and to sign a Facility Entry Agreement in order to access a Multnomah County Sheriff's Office facility.
- Applicants do not need to reside in Multnomah County. However, those who live or work in the county or have a demonstrated connection to Multnomah County will be prioritized.
- Applicants who have a connection to communities disproportionately impacted by institutionalization and/or incarceration will also be prioritized.
- Selected applicants are expected to:
- attend an orientation that will include information about safety measures and other topics.
- attend the additional inspection of multiple County jail facilities, in person (anticipated date will be shared once applicants are selected).
- participate in developing a report that will be released to the public by Dec. 31, 2023.
Background on Measure 26-233
In November 2006, Multnomah County passed Resolution 06-198, which established a policy requiring the Board of County Commissioners to conduct an annual inspection of each County correctional facility, as mandated by Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 169.040. The resolution recognized that regular inspections are essential to ensuring that the facilities are being run in accordance with best practices and that the rights of justice-involved individuals in custody are being protected.
In November 2022, Multnomah County voters approved Measure 26-233, a County Charter amendment recommended by the Multnomah County Charter Review Committee that requires Board members to conduct at least one additional inspection of County jails and correctional institutions administered by the Sheriff's Office per calendar year. The amendment also mandates that at least one volunteer member of the public accompanies each Board member during the inspection.
The Charter amendment is another step toward ensuring that correctional facilities in Multnomah County are operated in a transparent and accountable manner. Currently, the Multnomah County Detention Center and Multnomah County Inverness Jail undergo external oversight evaluations and recommendations provided by the Board of County Commissioners, as well as the annual Corrections Grand Jury process, which is facilitated by the District Attorney’s Office and conducted independently by Multnomah County residents, and the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association inspections and audits intended to ensure compliance with applicable statutes and best practices. Other organizations also have oversight authority, such as Disability Rights Oregon, that continues to guide policies and practices.
The involvement of a volunteer member of the public in the inspection process will provide an additional layer of oversight. Multnomah County is committed to upholding high standards of safety, fairness and justice within its correctional facilities.
Multnomah County is also committed to continued process improvement and will host listening sessions and feedback interviews to evaluate the 2023 implementation of Measure 26-233.
Tentative Timeline
- July 17, 2023: Application available for members of the public who are interested in accompanying a Board member during the additional inspection. Applicants may fill out and submit the application online or download the form to either fill it out on their electronic device or to print it out and fill it out by hand. (Please note: The application was originally slated to open on July 1. The deadline has been adjusted to account for this change.)
- Aug. 20, 2023, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.: First info session for interested applicants.
- Sept. 6, 2023, 2 - 3 p.m.: Second info session for interested applicants.
- Sept. 12, 2023, noon - 1 p.m.: Final info session for interested applicants.
- Sept. 15, 2023: Application closes
- September 2023: Review and final selection of candidates
- Early October 2023: Volunteer orientations
- October - December 2023: Additional inspection takes place.
- After additional inspection is completed: Volunteers produce a report on findings and make it available to the public.
- January and February 2024: Multnomah County hosts listening sessions and feedback interviews with the Project Team, Sponsors, inspection attendants and any other relevant stakeholders.
Project Team
- Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office
- Multnomah County Office of Community Involvement
- Multnomah County Chief Operating Officer
Get in Touch
If you have any questions, contact Jenny Carver, Strategic Initiatives Manager for the Chief Operating Officer and Project Manager for Measure Implementation, at jenny.carver@multco.us.