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Connect with an Inmate

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OR DOC - Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP)

State Prison

Last Updated: March 24, 2025

Connect with an Inmate

Address

2605 State St, Salem, OR 97310-0505

Beds

2292

County

Marion

Phone

503-378-2453

Fax

503-378-3897

View Official Website

OSP is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - maximum facility.

The phone carrier is IC Solutions, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules

Satellite View of OR DOC - Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP)

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You can support your loved ones at OSP on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 503-378-2453.

Located at 2605 State St in Salem, OR, OSP carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. OSP offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on OR DOC - Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

OSP, Oregon's oldest prison, operates as a multi-custody institution with various programs and services. These include special needs and release housing, work-based education, institutional work programs, and education offerings such as Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED, and English as a Second Language (ESL). OSP also hosts Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) industries, encompassing a furniture factory, laundry services, a metal shop, and a contact center.

OSP boasts a range of clubs aimed at fostering community and personal development among inmates. These clubs include the 7th Step Club, Asian Club, AVP, Family First, HHAAP, Hole in the Wall Group of NA, Lakota Club, Latino Club, Lifers Info, Music Program, Pool Club Info, Toastmasters Club, Uhuru Club, and Veterans Club. For a comprehensive list of programs and services, contacting the institution directly is advised.

Originally established as the Oregon Territory Jail in 1842 in Oregon City, OSP underwent several relocations before settling on its current 26-acre site in Salem in 1866. The penitentiary features special housing units catering to various inmate needs, including disciplinary segregation, psychiatric care, and housing for those sentenced to death. Additionally, the facility houses a 233-bed Special Management Housing unit designed for male inmates who disrupt or pose threats to the general population across department facilities.

Housing at OSP primarily consists of large cell blocks, with most inmates accommodated in double cells. The penitentiary also provides a full-service infirmary to attend to the healthcare needs of its population.

Notable inmates include Christian Longo on death row for killing his wife and three young children. While on the lam after the murder, Longo fled to Mexico and used the name of Michael Finkel (portrayed by Jonah Hill), the former New York Times reporter who later chronicled their experiences in his memoir True Story, adapted into a 2015 film portrayed by James Franco. Although capital punishment is still legal in Oregon, there has been a moratorium on executions since 2011.

Table of Contents for OSP

Inmate Locator

OSP maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

OR DOC - Oregon State Penitentiary - Visitation

Visiting Information

Every day including holidays:

7:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
12:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Visiting inmates in special housing (Disciplinary Segregation Unit, Infirmary, Mental Health Infirmary, Behavioral Health Unit, Intermediate Care Housing, and Death Row) has additional restrictions and requires prior scheduling.

For visits with special housing unit inmates, please call 503-378-2597. Professional visits must be scheduled in advance by contacting the Superintendent's Office at (503) 378-2445 or ospprofessionalvisit@doc.oregon.gov.

Oregon DOC general guidelines for regular visiting. If visiting an AIC in special housing, there are additional restrictions and prior scheduling is required. Contact your facility for assistance.

ATTENTION: All visitors must ensure they are on the adult in custody's approved visitor's list before scheduling an in-person visit. While the online system allows for scheduling regardless of visitor status, the visit will be denied at the institution if the visitor is not approved. Check with your incarcerated loved one to ensure your visiting status is up to date. You can email the visiting application to the Visitor Services Unit or fax to (503) 373-1173. You can also mail the form to Visiting Services Unit, 3723 Fairview Industrial Dr. Suite 200, Salem, OR 97302.

For more information on visiting, please see the Friends & Family Handbook or the Visiting Rule.
For information on professional visits, see the Professional Visit and Communication Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

OR DOC - Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) – FAQs

What is a state prison?
A state prison is a correctional facility operated by the Oregon Department of Corrections, housing individuals convicted of state crimes. Inmates typically serve sentences longer than one year. State prisons have different security levels and provide rehabilitation, education, and work programs.
How do state prisons differ from federal prisons?
State prisons hold offenders convicted of crimes under state laws, while federal prisons house those convicted of federal offenses. State prisons are managed by state DOCs and vary in policies, security levels, and resources. Federal prisons, run by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), often have more structured programs and uniform policies nationwide.
What are the different security levels in state prisons?
State prisons are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security, based on inmate risk assessments. Minimum-security facilities house non-violent offenders with lower risks. Medium-security prisons have higher security protocols and structured daily routines. Maximum-security prisons, or supermax facilities, house the most dangerous offenders with strict confinement measures.
How are inmates classified in state prisons?
Classification is based on criminal history, sentence length, behavior, and medical or mental health needs. The DOC assesses inmates upon intake to determine their housing assignment, work eligibility, and rehabilitative program access. Inmates may be reclassified based on behavior or security concerns.
What types of programs are offered in state prisons?
State prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, religious programs, and work release opportunities. Many prisons collaborate with colleges and trade schools to provide certificates in fields such as welding, plumbing, and computer technology.
Can inmates earn early release from state prisons?
Some inmates qualify for parole, good behavior credits, or sentence reduction programs. State laws determine eligibility based on offense type, institutional behavior, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Some states offer compassionate release for elderly or terminally ill inmates.
How do state prisons handle medical care for inmates?
Inmates receive basic medical, dental, and mental health care inside the facility. For specialized care, they may be transported to hospitals under security escort. State DOCs often contract with private healthcare providers such as Corizon Health, Wellpath, and Centurion Health.
Are state prison inmates allowed to work?
Yes, inmates can work within the prison (kitchen, janitorial, maintenance) or in prison industries (manufacturing, farming, sewing, furniture-making). Some states allow inmates to participate in work-release programs, where they work outside the prison and return at night. Inmate workers may earn small wages (often $0.10 to $2.00 per hour) depending on the job.
What are the visitation rules for state prisons?
Visitation varies by facility but generally requires pre-approval of visitors, background checks, dress codes, and scheduled visiting hours. Some prisons allow contact visits (where inmates and visitors can hug or hold hands), while others allow only non-contact visits (separated by glass). Video visitation services are provided by companies like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions.
Can inmates receive mail and packages?
Yes, inmates can receive letters, photos, and books, but all mail is screened for contraband. Some state prisons require mail to be sent through third-party processors, which convert letters into digital copies. Packages with clothing or hygiene items must often be ordered through approved vendors like Access Securepak, InmateCanteen, JailCanteen, iCareGifts, MyCarePack or Union Supply Group.
How do phone calls work in state prisons?
Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers through prison phone services, but cannot receive calls. Calls are typically monitored and recorded. Services like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions provide prepaid accounts for families to deposit funds for calls. Some states offer tablet-based calls with limited messaging services.
What are the disciplinary rules in state prisons?
Inmates must follow prison regulations regarding behavior, movement, and interactions with staff and other inmates. Infractions like fighting, possession of contraband, or rule violations can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, or additional time added to their sentence.
Do state prisons offer religious services?
Yes, state prisons have chaplains and religious volunteers who provide services for various faiths. Many facilities offer Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and religious dietary accommodations for inmates who follow specific religious beliefs.
How does parole work in state prisons?
Inmates eligible for parole must appear before a parole board, which reviews their behavior, program participation, and risk to society. If granted parole, inmates serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community, following specific rules such as curfews and employment requirements.
Can inmates transfer between state prisons?
Yes, inmates may be transferred for medical needs, security risks, disciplinary actions, or administrative reasons. Some may request transfers to be closer to family, but approvals depend on facility capacity and eligibility requirements.
What happens when an inmate finishes their sentence?
Inmates released from state prison may receive reentry services, such as job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. Some states require certain inmates to remain under supervision (such as parole or probation) after release.
Are state prisons overcrowded?
Many states struggle with overcrowding due to high incarceration rates. Solutions include alternative sentencing programs, early release initiatives, and building new facilities to accommodate growing populations.
How can family members send money to an inmate?
Families can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account through services like JPay, ConnectNetwork, or Access Corrections. Money is used for purchasing snacks, hygiene items, and phone calls. Some states have limits on how much an inmate can receive per month.
Do state prisons offer educational opportunities?
Yes, many prisons provide GED classes, college courses, and vocational training programs. Some offer Pell Grants for inmates to take college-level courses. Popular vocational programs include auto repair, HVAC, and culinary arts.
Can inmates be placed in protective custody?
Yes, inmates who are at risk of harm due to gang conflicts, former law enforcement ties, or other safety concerns can be placed in protective custody (PC). These inmates are housed separately from the general population, often with limited movement and privileges for their safety.

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