November 30, 2020
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced the release of the 2020 Multnomah County Corrections Grand Jury Report.
This year’s Corrections Grand Jury (CGJ) focused on the staffing and funding of the facilities, in-custody and post-release support of Adults In Custody (AIC), the impact and response to COVID-19, commissary, AIC labor wage, communications to AICs within the facilities, and the grievance process.
“This is an important and independent practice that gives our community an understanding of operational effectiveness of our local correctional facilities. As a criminal justice system, we must never waive in our commitment to ensure that all individuals in custody are safe and treated fairly and humanely. I am dedicated to working with our public safety stakeholders to build on the recommendations of this year’s Corrections Grand Jury so our local correctional facilities are furthering the advancement of public safety and are meeting community expectations,” said Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt.
The CGJ convened over a four week period to collect information and to prepare a report on the condition and management of the four correctional facilities located in
Multnomah County.
As noted in the report, within weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic starting, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, working with system stakeholders, reduced the AIC population from 95% to 60% capacity.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CGJ did not visit any of the four correctional facilities located within Multnomah County this year.
A full copy of the grand jury report, in compliance with ORS 132.440, can be obtained by clicking here.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the seven grand jurors for their dedicated efforts. Furthermore, we recognize Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Tom Cleary and Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Lowe for convening this grand jury.
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Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Email: Brent.Weisberg@nullmcda.us