Jail

Arduous shifts are becoming more common at the jail, which have raised tensions between boots-on-the-ground jail staff and command staff at the sheriff's office. OPB spoke with six current deputies about the county's recent changes.

It’s unclear when the jail officially passes from the sheriff’s hands into those of the councilors. A six-page staff report answered no questions about what necessitated the move.

Conditions in Multnomah County's two jails are worse for people in custody who are Black and those who have mental health conditions, according to an audit released Wednesday by Multnomah County. In response, Sheriff Mike Reese said he’s “committed to evaluating our policies and practices” to uphold the community’s expectations.

The Oregon State Hospital is facing a federal lawsuit filed on behalf of two people ordered into state care months ago, but who have still not been able to access the facility.

A corrections grand jury report released Monday found acute staffing issues as well as a spike in demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment for those in custody.

In an unusual move, the Multnomah County Circuit Court judge found the Oregon State Hospital in contempt of a previous contempt order for failing to transport two defendants from the Multnomah County Jail who were found guilty except for insanity. The two men have been waiting for admission for months and now fines have increased to $2,500 per day, per defendant as long as they wait in jail.

The county auditor recommended the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office make it easier for people in custody to stay connected to the outside world at a time when COVID-19 precautions have put a temporary halt on in-person visits.

A grand jury report released Monday found issues surrounding overtime for Multnomah County Jail staff as well as benefits of a reduced jail population.

On Dec. 23, 2018, Alyssa Sund was found dead in her cell at the Benton County Jail, one of the smallest jails in Oregon.

For the 50th anniversary of Johnny Cash's “At Folsom Prison,” a Portland band is restaging the concert at prisons across the state. We go with them to Coffee Creek’s women’s facility.