Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program

The Charter amendment is another step toward ensuring that correctional facilities in Multnomah County are operated in a transparent and accountable manner.

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 per calendar year, with at least one volunteer member of the public to accompany the Board.

This additional yearly jail inspection accompanied by public volunteers is now known as the Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program (CFCIP), and takes place in addition to the Board’s yearly inspection already required by Oregon Revised Statute (ORS 169.040) and the County Charter.

Multnomah County is currently seeking volunteers to accompany Board members during the additional inspection. 

Information about the 2026 application process

To apply to become a Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program volunteer, send an email to your County Commissioner’s office to let them know that you are interested and they will guide you their office’s application process:

If you don’t know which district you live in, use this interactive District Look-up map. (If you don’t live in Multnomah County, use the address of your place of employment. If you don’t live or work in Multnomah County, use the address associated with your demonstrable connection to Multnomah County.)

Districts offices anticipate selecting applicants by Sept. 25, 2026.

Information about the 2026 selection process

Requirements and considerations

  • Each district office will use its own process to evaluate their respective applicants, schedule interviews and make their final selection.
  • Applicants who meet the following qualifications will be prioritized:
    • Those who live or work in the county, or have a demonstrated connection to Multnomah County.
    • Those who have lived experience or a connection to communities disproportionately impacted by institutionalization and/or incarceration.
  • Applicants will be required to complete supplementary forms in addition to their application:
    • A Records Check Authorization form, which will be used to approve access to a Multnomah County Sheriff's Office corrections facility. (Please note: Having previous contact with law enforcement is not necessarily disqualifying for this opportunity.)
    • A Facility Entry Agreement, which will be used to approve access to a Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office corrections facility. 

Expectations of selected volunteers

  • Attend an orientation that includes information about the expectations and responsibilities of the role, as well as safety measures when visiting facilities.
  • Attend an annual inspection of the Multnomah County Detention Center and Multnomah County Inverness Jail, in person. The inspections will take place late fall.
  • Participate in developing a report with their findings and recommendations from the inspection.
  • Selected volunteers for the Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program will receive a stipend of $590 upon completing the inspection and delivering their findings in a report.

2026 Project Team

Previous Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program materials

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 County jail 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 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 evaluations and receive recommendations provided by the Board of County Commissioners, an annual Corrections Grand Jury process facilitated by the District Attorney’s Office and conducted independently by Multnomah County residents, and the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association’s inspections. These inspections are intended to ensure compliance with applicable statutes and best practices. Other organizations, such as Disability Rights Oregon, also have oversight authority 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.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program, please send an email to CFCIP@multco.us.

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