Background
ORS 169.040 requires the Board of County Commissioners to conduct an annual inspection of county jails and correctional facilities. In November 2022, voters approved a County Charter Amendment that calls for Commissioners to conduct at least one additional inspection per calendar year, accompanied by at least one volunteer member of the public for facilities administered by the Sheriff. After the inspection, volunteers will develop and issue public reports with their findings and recommendations. This will be the third year of additional inspections.
In accordance with the County Charter Board Members shall use an application process to select volunteers, with preference given to individuals who live or work in the county or have a demonstrated connection to the county. After the inspection, volunteers will develop and issue public reports with their findings and recommendations.
Requirements and considerations
- Each district office will use its own process to evaluate their respective applicants, schedule interviews and make their final selection.
- Applicants who meet the following qualifications will be prioritized:
- Those who live or work in the county, or have a demonstrated connection to Multnomah County.
- Those who have lived experience or a connection to communities disproportionately impacted by institutionalization and/or incarceration.
- Applicants will be required to complete supplementary forms in addition to their application:
- A Records Check Authorization form, which will be used to approve access to a Multnomah County Sheriff's Office corrections facility. (Please note: Having previous contact with law enforcement is not necessarily disqualifying for this opportunity.)
- A Facility Entry Agreement, which will be used to approve access to a Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office corrections facility.
Expectations of selected volunteers
- Attend an orientation that includes information about the expectations and responsibilities of the role, as well as safety measures when visiting facilities.
- Attend an annual inspection of the Multnomah County Detention Center and Multnomah County Inverness Jail, in person. The inspections will take place late fall.
- Participate in developing a report with their findings and recommendations from the inspection.
- Selected volunteers for the Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program will receive a stipend of $590 upon completing the inspection and delivering their findings in a report.
Process
To ensure a fair process, interested individuals will have to fill out an application form. The selection process is as followed:
- Applications are due by September 24th 11:59pm.
- District 2 office will choose a finalist by September 25, 2026, along with an alternate finalist in the event the primary finalist’s background check does not pass or they are unable to accept the position.
- District 2 staff will notify the chosen applicant and confirm their acceptance of the volunteer position. If they are unable to accept, we will notify and obtain confirmation from the alternate finalist. The chosen volunteer must be confirmed by October 9, 2026.
- After the finalist accepts, District 2 staff will secure the volunteer’s W-9 and complete paperwork to initiate processing of the volunteer stipend.
Ways to Submit Your Application
- Complete the online application or
- Download the Fillable PDF form and email a completed form to District2@multco.us or
- Fill out the application and drop it off at the District 2 office at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 630, Portland, OR 97218.
2025 Project Summary
In November 2022, Multnomah County voters approved Measure 26-233. The County Charter now states the County will use an application process to identify at least one volunteer member of the public to accompany the Board every calendar year, with preference for individuals who live in, work in or have demonstrated connections to Multnomah County. Volunteers should be independent of the County Auditor and the facilities they inspect, and given reasonable stipends and administrative support. The additional inspections — within reasonable measures for safety and security — provide access for the County commissioners and volunteer(s) to the facilities. After the inspection, volunteers issue public reports with findings and recommendations.
Volunteer reports of findings and recommendations were released January 2025.
Previous Final Volunteer Reports and Response Letters
The volunteer selected for the 2025 additional inspection submitted reports outlining their findings and recommendations: