About Oregon DOC

The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) was created by the 64th Legislative Assembly in June 1987 and operates under ORS chapter 423. The Oregon Constitution was amended in November 1996 to emphasize that laws for the punishment of crimes must be founded on the principles of protection of society, personal responsibility, accountability for one’s actions, and reformation.

DOC’s mission echoes the Oregon Constitution. The department protects public safety, holds individuals accountable for their actions, and supports rehabilitation through programs and services designed to help people successfully reintegrate into their communities.

The department has custody of adults sentenced to prison for more than 12 months and houses approximately 12,000 adults in custody across 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. DOC is recognized nationally for providing individuals with cognitive, educational, and job skills needed to become productive citizens when they return to their communities.

To further support safe communities, safe prisons, and a safe workplace, the department created the Oregon Accountability Model. This strategy focuses on changing criminal behavior through evaluation, education, treatment, work opportunities, family engagement, and evidence-based community supervision practices.

DOC also provides administrative oversight and funding for community corrections activities across Oregon’s 36 counties. All but two counties (Linn and Douglas) manage the supervision of offenders within their jurisdictions while DOC provides statewide coordination, interstate compact administration, jail inspections, and central information services regarding felony offenders.

The department’s culture is driven by strong core values including integrity, professionalism, dignity, respect, safety, wellness, and stewardship. DOC employees actively contribute to their communities through volunteer service, coaching youth teams, serving on commissions, and participating in local organizations throughout Oregon.