OAR 291-130-0005: Authority, Purpose, and Policy

(1) Authority: The authority for this rule is granted to the Director of the Department of Corrections in accordance with ORS 179.040, 423.020, 423.030, and 423.075. (2) Purpose: The purpose of this rule is to establish policy and procedures governing the use of the inmate telephone system. (3) Policy: The department encourages productive relationships between inmates and their families and recognizes telephone services are a positive means to strengthen ties and increase the likelihood of success upon release. (a) It is the policy of the Department of Corrections to allow inmates to make telephone calls in accordance with the procedures outlined in this rule. (b) It is the policy of the Department of Corrections that video interactive phone calls are a part of the inmate telephone system, and such calls are governed by the same policy and procedures as telephone calls. (c) Within the inherent limitations of resources and the need for facility security, safety, health and good order, it is the policy of the Department of Corrections to permit, promote, facilitate, and encourage authorized use of telephone systems between inmates and their families, friends, and others in Department of Corrections facilities. (d) When authorized, use of the inmate telephone system in a Department of Corrections facility is permitted neither as a matter of right nor as a privilege of the inmate or the inmate’s contact party; rather, use of the telephone system in Department of Corrections facilities is permitted by the department when it furthers the inmate’s correctional planning and the department’s correctional goals and mission and is consistent with the safe, secure, and orderly management and operation of the facility.