Jail
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Tired and tense Clark County jail staff say they’re optimistic about new leadership
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.

Clark County moves forward with jail takeover amid questions from public
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.

Audit: Multnomah County jail conditions worse for Black people, mentally ill
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.

Oregon State Hospital sued in federal court, plans to add beds Monday
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.

Grand jury finds Multnomah County jails should keep fewer people behind bars
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.

Judge increases fines, pressure on Oregon State Hospital as it fails to admit defendants
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.

Multnomah County jails fail to establish recommended communication for people in custody
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.

After reducing inmate populations to limit COVID-19 spread, Multnomah County jails’ operations improved
A grand jury report released Monday found issues surrounding overtime for Multnomah County Jail staff as well as benefits of a reduced jail population.

Lawsuit raises questions about medical care in Benton County Jail
On Dec. 23, 2018, Alyssa Sund was found dead in her cell at the Benton County Jail, one of the smallest jails in Oregon.
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Band Takes Johnny Cash's 'Folsom' Concert To Oregon Prisons
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.