Oregon Statutes 423.420 – General duties and powers; rules
The Corrections Ombudsman shall have the power:
Terms Used In Oregon Statutes 423.420
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- Person: includes individuals, corporations, associations, firms, partnerships, limited liability companies and joint stock companies. See Oregon Statutes 174.100
- Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
(1) To investigate, on complaint or on the ombudsman’s own motion, any action by the Department of Corrections or any employee thereof without regard to its finality;
(2) To adopt rules required for the discharge of the duties of office, including procedures for receiving and processing complaints, conducting investigations, and reporting findings, not inconsistent with ORS § 423.400 to 423.450;
(3) To examine by subpoena the records and documents of the Department of Corrections or any employee thereof;
(4) To enter and inspect without notice any premises under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections;
(5) To subpoena any person to appear, to give sworn testimony or to produce documentary or other evidence that is reasonably material to an inquiry;
(6) To undertake, participate in or cooperate with persons and agencies in such conferences, inquiries, meetings or studies as might lead to improvements in the functioning of the Department of Corrections;
(7) To bring suit in the Circuit Court for Marion County to enforce ORS § 423.400 to 423.450;
(8) To establish and administer a budget for the office; and
(9) To strengthen procedures and practices which lessen the possibility that objectionable corrections actions will occur. [1977 c.378 § 5; 1987 c.320 § 216]