Oregon Department Of Corrections Modernizes Public Records Request Process
-07/03/25
In an ongoing effort to improve services for Oregonians, the Department of Corrections (DOC) has modernized its public records request process by implementing new software to streamline access and communication.
Effective July 7, 2025, DOC will launch Granicus GovQA, a cloud-based platform designed to efficiently manage and process public records requests. Public records requests can be submitted through the DOC website: Department of Corrections : Public Record Requests : Research and Information Requests : State of Oregon.
As the volume and complexity of requests have grown, DOC adopted GovQA to provide a secure, centralized, and highly customizable solution. The new system enhances transparency and improves tracking and communication—leading to better customer service.
Through the new public records portal, requesters can:
- Create a secure user profile.
- Submit and track requests online.
- Communicate directly with DOC staff to clarify or refine requests, helping to reduce delays and improve accuracy.
- Retrieve responsive records directly from the GovQA portal.
For DOC staff, the system standardizes workflows, increasing internal efficiency and consistency in handling requests.
Granicus GovQA is the largest provider of cloud-based services for government compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It supports numerous state and local governments across the country, including other agencies within Oregon.
DOC employs 4,600 staff members at 12 institutions, two community corrections offices, and several centralized support facilities throughout the state. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of over 12,000 adults sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration, and direct or indirect supervision of 24,000 offenders on felony supervision in the community. DOC is recognized nationally among correctional agencies for providing adults in custody with the cognitive, education, and job skills needed to become productive citizens when they transition back to their communities.
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Oregon State Penitentiary Reports In-custody Death (Photo)
-07/02/25
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Stuart Ross Anderson, died the morning of July 2, 2025. Anderson was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
Anderson entered DOC custody on June 22, 2004, from Deschutes County with an earliest release date of January 4, 2040. Anderson was 72 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.
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Two Rivers Correctional Institution Reports In-custody Death (Photo)
-06/29/25
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Bonafacio Merino-Apolinar, died the morning of June 29, 2025. Merino-Apolinar was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at a regional hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.
Merino-Apolinar entered DOC custody on September 19, 2007, from Marion County with no parole date. Merino-Apolinar was 54 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.
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Oregon Department Of Corrections Work Crew To The Rescue (Photo)
-06/25/25
Earlier this month, Tillamook Fire District reached out to South Fork Forest Camp (SCCF) to assist with a backcountry rescue on the Kings Mountain Trail in the Tillamook State Forest. SFFC Security staff and a 10-man crew of adults in custody responded to the call. Upon arriving at the trailhead, they learned a hiker had suffered a broken ankle approximately 1.3 miles up the steep terrain.
The team hiked in and worked alongside Fire/EMS personnel to safely carry the injured hiker back to the trailhead, showcasing teamwork, strength, and a commitment to helping the community.
SFFC is minimum-security work camp that houses approximately 200 adults in custody who are within four years of release. Part of SFFC's mission is to supply a ready work force to combat forest or wildfires throughout the state. Crews provide critical support for statewide fire operations, recreation, and reforestation; as well as provide support for special projects such as sign making, metal fabrication, and tool or equipment repair. SFFC was established in 1951 and is a satellite facility to CRCI and managed jointly with the Oregon Department of Forestry. It is located approximately 28 miles east of Tillamook, just off of Highway 6 along the Wilson River in the Tillamook Forest.
Visit Department of Corrections: Welcome Page: State of Oregon for more information about the Oregon Department of Corrections.
Visit Tillamook Fire District for more information about the Tillamook Fire District.
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