Prison
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The U.S. prison population is rapidly graying. Prisons aren’t built for what’s coming
By one measure, about a third of all prisoners will be considered geriatric by 2030. Prison systems are grappling with how to care for their elderly prisoners — and how to pay for it.
Amid fentanyl crisis, Oregon lawmakers propose more funding for opioid addiction medication in jails
The latest proposal would allow jails seeking to create or expand medication treatment programs to apply for grants from a $10 million fund. It has bipartisan support and the backing of public health advocates and some in law enforcement.
Oregon’s new Department of Corrections boss discusses the challenges the agency faces
Seven out of every 10 adults in the Oregon Department of Corrections have abused drugs or alcohol, and one out of five are classified as having severe mental health issues. People who are released from custody are 10 times more likely overdose on opioids than the general public. These are among the many challenges facing the new director of the Department of Corrections, Mike Reese, who took over the job late last year. Reese spoke to OPB's Dave Miller about his philosophy for the job.
Coffee Creek inmate sues corrections agency amid criminal case
The incarcerated woman alleges she faced retaliation in the prison after a corrections officer was charged with sexually abusing her.
Behind bars and then a bill: Washington prisoner leads effort on ‘second chance’ legislation
Washington lawmakers are getting ready to tackle big topics in 2024, including undoing harm caused by long or life prison sentences. Charles Longshore has spent months crafting a bill to make a small but significant change as part of that effort.
Suicides spike at Washington prisons, prisoners say they need more access to mental health care
Washington reported six suicides in state prisons this year, including a cluster of deaths at a state facility in Eastern Washington over the summer.
Nearly half of people using opioids in rural areas were recently incarcerated, study shows
Oregon Health & Science University author of national study says jails have an opportunity to treat drug addiction.
After critical report, Oregon Department of Corrections plans changes at women’s prison
Yoga classes, sports bras and more security cameras are coming to Oregon’s only women’s prison.
Former Portland chief, Multnomah County sheriff picked to run Oregon prisons
Oregon Gov. Tina Koteck named Mike Reese, a longtime leader in Portland-area law enforcement, to serve as the next director of the Oregon Department of Corrections.
As Washington plans to reduce solitary confinement, advocates say reforms are long overdue
Washington's Department of Corrections has unveiled its strategies to reduce the use of isolation in its prisons, but it all relies on whether lawmakers set aside funding to support those changes.