2015 Grand Jury Report on Correctional Facilities Located in

Washington County

I.

Introduction

jury panel was selected by the Circuit Court for the

purpose of inspecting the conditions and management at four correctional facilities
located in Washington County, Oregon: the Washington County Jail (WCJ), the
Washington County Community Corrections Center (CCC), Harkins House (HH), and
Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF).
Pursuant to ORS 132.440, a grand

We, the Grand Jurors, visited each facility. We were given an orientation by
management at each facility followed by a detailed walking tour. The management of
each facility was aware of the reason for the Grand Jury's visit, and offered us access to
any areas we wished to examine. The inspections provided the Grand Jury an adequate
overview of the physical conditions of the facilities. The Grand Jury did not examine
audits, budgetary records, management policies, detailed outside inspection reports, nor
official findings aside what was provided at the mentioned orientation sessions. We
believe our review of each facility provided a realistic impression of the day-to-day
operations, and allowed us to judge the overall fitness of the buildings, the attitude of
staffand security strategies in practice,
The orientations and walking tours were interactive and the grand jurors were able to ask
questions through each review. The staff at each facility provided additional information
when asked.
Though time constraints prevented us from examining every area of all four institutions,
we are satisfied that we observed the overall structure of each facility and had access to
any portion of the facilities we desired to see. As such, we feel that we can report
reliably on the general physical condition and relative fitness of the facilities. It should
be noted that each of the facilities were in full operation at the time of our visits.
Senior Deputy District Attomey Jeff Lesowski and Deputy District Attorney Dan Hesson
of the Washington County District Attorney's Office accompanied us on all the tours and
joined in asking questions. Despite their presence, we stipulate that this report is the
Grand Jury's alone, generated after the jurors met behind closed doors for a considerable
time period to discuss our impressions and findings.

II.

Washington County Jail (\ilCJ)

Conducted:

November 17,2015

Duration:

3 hours approx.

Grand Jury Members

6 out of 7 members present

Accompanied by Senior Deputy District Attorney
Jeff Lesowski and Deputy District Attorney Dan
Hesson

Introduction:

Pat Ganett, Sheriff

Orientation and Tour:

Commander Mike Lenahan, Lieutenant Kim

Phillips, Lieutenant Matt Frohnert, Corporal
Heather Wiley

Orientation/Overview
Sheriff Pat Garrett personally welcomed the jurors and gave an introduction of the WCJ
to the Grand Jury, including an overview of the relationship between the three county-run
institutions that were reviewed (WCJ, CCC, HHH). Command staff provided facts and
statistics about the jail, and answered all of the Grand Jury's questions. The presentation
prior to the tour was detailed and provided a very helpful overview of the facility. The
Grand Jury was pleased with the orientation. The Grand Jury took note of the fact that,
the Sheriff and his staff talked about not only what they felt was good about the jail, but
also candidly discussed goals for improvement.
The tour itself included suggested areas encompassing much of the jail, but it was made
clear to us that any part of the facility was available to review.

Master Control
Master Control is the oonerve center" of the jail. The Grand Jury took note of the fact that
the Sheriff s Offlrce seemed to be taking necessary safety precautions. We were
impressed by control room workers' ability to watch all screens. It was noted that a
current remodeling project was underway to expand space for certain technology needs.

Intake Area
The Grand Jury took note of the fact that the Sheriff s Office needed to access two
different computer systems to get what they need, and they also had paper charts. This
process, while seemingly cumbersome, appeared very organized, efficient and detailed.
The Grand Jury took note of the inmate tracking process, with inmate photos. The Grand
Jury was physically present in the intake area when a bus brought outside inmates into
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the WCJ. The intake process appeared to be quick and efficent. The Grand Jury was
made aware that the Sheriff s Office hoped to obtain a full body scanner to assist in
conducting searches of inmates, specifically to locate contraband (mainly drugs) which
unfortunately can be occasionally smuggled via bodily orifices. The Grand Jury believes
that a full body scanner would contribute to the safety of the deputies, the staft and the
inmates, and we hope that this option is not cost-prohibitive.

Medical
The Grand Jury was made aware that each inmate was medically examined as part of the
intake process, for both physical and mental health care. Medications and outside
medical providers would then be potentially arranged. The Grand Jury was very
impressed with this process of medical examination at intake.
The Grand Jury was made aware that the WCJ recently switched medical service
providers for inmates. The Grand Jury appreciated the compassion that the providers
appeared to have for the inmates. Regarding advancements in patient care, the Grand
Jury took note that the WCJ has one psychiatrist. We believe that, given the amount of
mental health issues present in the inmate population, more mental health staff should be
considered.

In the medical observation housing unit (MOU), we noted that each inmate must be
checked frequently. The sole deputy on duty seemed to be quite busy, which was
acceptable, but we feel that stafing of this unit should be monitored to ensure that the
deputies are able to carry out all of their responsibilities.

Maximum Security Pod

This pod had a broken door, which appeared to be an issue. If it has not been already, we
encourage that it be repaired. Inside the control room the staff seemed very experienced
and capable.

Forced Releases
The Grand Jury was made aware that in recent years there has been a marked increase in
forced releases of female inmates. There are many possible reasons for this. It is clear
that the WCJ needs more space for women inmates. We feel that it is unacceptable that
females who otherwise should be incarcerated are being released into the community
simply due to lack of space. Building a new facility or wing seems needed at this time.
The overall decrease in forced releases from 2014 was positive.
Womenos Pod
This pod seemed to run well. Other than the forced release issue mentioned above, the
Grand Jury took note of no issues which needed to be addressed.

Laundry
The laundry facility was neat and organized. The Grand Jury took note of no issues
which needed to be addressed.

General
The Grand Jury was made aware that the WCJ is a smoke free facility, which we applaud.
The programs available to the inmates were impressive. We noted that the outside
activity areas for each pod, while adequate, are relatively small, and that opportunities for
physical activity for inmates are limited. To the extent possible we believe that organized
physical activity programs should be considered. The Grand Jury was impressed with the
overall security of the WCJ.

Kitchen
The kitchen facility was clean, orderly and appeared efficient. Something did appear to
be dripping from the ceiling (not onto food) which we assume has been addressed. The
Grand Jury was made aware that the jail kitchen serves as a central kitchen for multiple
facilities (V/CJ, CCC, and Harkins House). This appears to be cost efficient. We
encourage the jail to continue providing healthy meals to inmates, and to the extent
possible working to add healthier options such as "healthy fats" such as Omega3s in
tropical oils instead of margarine, and to include more whole fruits instead of sugary
foods and beverages.

Garden
The Grand Jury observed that there is now a modest garden in an outside area near the
dock. We believe that having a garden is a great idea and would like to see it eventually
expanded. The fact that food from the garden goes to the Food Bank is a good
opportunity for inmates to give to give back to the community. The Home Depot
deserves special thanks for its contributions of materials.

Overall
The entire facility was clean, safe, and appeared to be very well-managed. The Grand
Jury was impressed with this facility.

III.

Washington County Communify Corrections Center (CCC)

Conducted:

November 24,2015

Duration:

3.5 hours (approx.)

Grand Jury Members:

All

members were present

Accompanied by Senior Deputy District Attorney

Jeff Lesowski and Deputy District Attorney Dan
Hesson

Introduction:

Director Steve Berger and Manager Karleigh

Molihan

Orientation and Tour:

Director Steve Berger and Manager Karleigh

Molihan

Orientation/Overview
Director Steve Berger and Manager Karleigh Molihan personally welcomed the jurors
upon arrival in the lobby., We were escorted into a conference room and provided an
introduction and overview of the CCC. We were provided facts and statistics about the
CCC, and answers to our questions were provided, The presentation prior to the tour was
helpful and informative. We learned about the physical facility, its function and purpose,
and programs available for residents. We learned that most of the residents of the CCC
are sentenced inmates who had once been in the WCJ, but whom judges have allowed to
transfer to the CCC to finish their sentences.
The grand jury was made aware of the following recent changes, and believes that these
are positive changes:

o
o
o
o
o

GPS monitoring for all sexual offenders and domestic violence offenders who
leave the facility.

Alcohol monitoring technology.

Increased waiting period before eligibility for passes.
Peer review.
Taking advice of the 2014 grandjury report after its inspection of the facility.

Remodel
Currently, there is no wall or physical barrier separating the entrance lobby from the
corridor leading to the interior of the CCC. The Grand Jury learned that there is a
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planned remodel of the front entry area of the facility in the summer of 2016. This
should help increase security of the facility and will be beneficial.

Alert system
The facility would benefit from

or similar device to summon the attention of

staff in case of an emergency. The grand jury was made aware of such devices in its
tours of the WCJ and the Harkins House facility (see Harkins House section below).
a button

Paying rent
The Grand Jury was made aware that, if inmates have a job, they have to pay rent for
their stay at the CCC. The Grand Jury believes this to be beneficial.

Staff ratio
The Grand Jury was made aware that there are 12 counselors which seems to be a good
amount of staff given the population.
Resume / application / job search assistance
The Grand Jury applauds the assistance the CCC provides to inmates in the area of
resume writing and job searches. The general policy requiring job searches of every
inmate is a beneficial policy. More rigorous resume / application work during the initial
blackout period would be beneficial.

Unauthorized Departures
The Grand Jury was made aware that staff response to an unauthorized departure starts
after three hours. We believe a quicker response is merited. The response should be
started after one hour rather than three hours. The grand jury is mindful that while the
ooresidents"
during their stay, they are still serving sentences for
inmates are called
crimes, and their behavior and whereabouts should be closely monitored.

Housing after release

The Grand Jury was made aware that the CCC continually works to get inmates into
clean and sober housing after release, and has contracted for 350 beds in local programs
for stable housing. This ongoing work is a positive aspect of the CCC's attempt to
transition inmates into the community.
Bye scans
The Grand Jury believes the facility would benefit from an increased use of eye scans,
especially for those convicted of any drug-related crimes, those on probation with drug
conditions, and those retuming on passes. Maintaining random eye scans it also
important. The Grand Jury recommends that the next year's panel ask to see numbers as
o'positive," and what type
to how many eye scans are performed, how many of those were
of penalties are given for failed drug tests when at the CCC.
Physical health
During our visit, large numbers of inmates were gathered in the exercise yard, smoking
cigarettes. While we understand the reasons for not completely banning tobacco, it
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would be beneficial for the CCC to offer a smoking cessation program, perhaps with
incentives. In a similar vein, we believe that it would be beneficial for the CCC to offer a
sugar cessation or reduction program. The Grand Jury would like to see more
opportunities provided for physical activity such as an updated exercise room, an increase
in exercise equipment in the dorms, or opportunities for organized physical activity.

Overall
The entire CCC facility was clean and appeared to be well-maintained, safe, and wellmanaged.

III.

Harkins House (HH)

Conducted

November 24,2015

Duration:

1.5 hours (approx.)

Grand Jury Members:

All members were present

Accompanied by Senior Deputy District Attorney
Jeff Lesowski and Deputy District Attorney Dan
Hesson

Introduction:

LaRoy Labonte, Manager

Orientation and Tour:

LaRoy Labonte, Manager, and Lynne Schroeder,

Juvenile Director

Orientation/Overview
Harkins House Manager LaRoy Labonte personally welcomed the jurors upon anival.
We were escorted into a room that seves as a school classroom and were provided an
introduction and overview of Harkins House. We were provided facts and statistics about
the facility, and answers to our questions were provided. The presentation prior to the
tour was helpful and informative. As with the other facilities, we leamed about the
physical layout of the building, the function and purpose of the program, as well as the
educational and recreational opporlunities available for residents. V/e learned that most
of the youth residents of Harkins House are youths who are awaiting trial in Juvenile
Court, but whom a judges has allowed to reside in a less-restrictive environment than
Juvenile Detention.

Outside Exercise Area

This area was nice, with a nice covered court for basketball and volleyball, along with
garden and a gazebo. It appears that residents are able to engage in plenty of physical
activity.

Class room
We learned that each youth attends school for 3 hours per day, taught by an instructor
from the Hillsboro School District. The Grand Jury strongly believes it would beneficial
to have a full-time teacher because of the significant amount of academic catching up
many of these youth have to do. A program to assist the youth to transition into regular
school would also be beneficial. A positive aspect of Harkins House's educational
program was the "star privilege" program. Overall, we were impressed with the efforts
that are being made to provide education for the residents, but we again feel that this
could be improved with additional instruction.

Other services for the youth

The Grand Jury was impressed with the efforts to which Harkins House staff went to
provide the youth with special holiday meals with family, certain outings and field trips,
the art program, the counselling services, both group and individual, the community
service, and the yoga that was available for the youth.
Food service
The Grand Jury was impressed with the ongoing efforts to attempt to get a culinary
program into Harkins House and believes such a program would be extremely beneficial
for the youth. The Grand Jury strongly recommends that the community support such a
program, and specifically support helping youth obtain food handler's licenses. If a
culinary program could combine basic kitchen skills along with this food handler's
licensing, many youth would leave the program armed with the tools to obtain
employment.

Overall
The environment at HH was very positive. The facility was clean, quiet, and appeared to
be well-managed and safe. There are few behavioral incidents that occur, which is
commendable considering the background of many of the residents. The Grand Jury was
impressed with this facility.

IV.

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF)

Conducted:

December

Duration:

4 hours (approx.)

Grand Jury Members:

All members were present

l,

2015

Accompanied by Senior Deputy District Attomey

Jeff Lesowski and Deputy District Attorney Dan
Hesson

Introduction

Supervisor/PlO Vicki Reynolds, Lieutenant Toby

Tooley, Assistant Superintendent Forrest Lyons

Orientation and Tour:

Supervisor/PIO Vicki Reynolds, Lieutenant Toby

Tooley

Orientation/Overview
Vicki Reynolds personally welcomed

the jurors upon

arrival. After going through a

rigorous security process, we were escorted upstairs into a large conference room. We
were joined by Assistant Superintendent Forrest Lyons and Lieutenant Toby Tooley, who
were kind enough to join us on what appeared to be short notice. (The other
Superintendents were unavailable due to a surprise audit). We were given general
information about the facility, and answers to our questions were provided. The
orientation prior to the tour was somewhat helpful and informative, but we feel that this
orientation process could be improved for future jury panels, perhaps with more structure
as well as handouts.
We did leam the basics regarding the physical layout and function of the facility. V/e
leamed that CCCF is the temporary intake center for all Oregon inmates sentenced to
prison sentences, as well as the only Oregon prison for female inmates. We learned that
there is a medium security portion of the institution that houses both males and females
(in separate sections) as well as a minimum security section which houses females only.

Employee morale
The facility has a wall which recognizes certain employeeso honors and achievements.
This is a great reinforcement tool for those doing a good job, and motivation for all
employees.

Securify
CCCF is in the process of purchasing more security cameras, which seem needed. More
staff is needed at the facility. At the time of our visit the security gate outside the front
door was malfunctioning and needed to be kept manned until repairs were made. We
9

assume this problem has been fixed. Overall, the Grand Jury thought the
good security, with good procedures and attentive staff.

facility had

Intake
The grand jury observed the area where inmates arrive at CCCF from the different county
jails. We observed two inmates who were actively engaged in the intake process. The
intake process appeared to be efficient. The facility had a reliable system to check on
inmates who moved from building to building. The separate area for inmates with
disabilities was a beneficial component of the intake unit.

Medium Security Unit

The Grand Jury toured a housing unit in the side that houses males going through intake.
We also toured multiple housing units on the female side of medium security. We were
impressed with the overall security and operation of this facility. We observed that it
appears to be well maintained and ran efflrciently, We observed some inmates moving
about, going from place to place in the corridor, and other inmates engaged in work tasks.

Intensive management unit (IMU)

The Grand Jury toured a special classroom in this unit and leamed about new programs
which help inmates with anger management and social skills. We were impressed with
the efforts that have to be made to gather even a small number of IMU and disciplinarysegregated inmates in a group setting.

Faith Center
The diversity of spiritual programs and the spiritual library available to inmates were
both beneficial to the inmates and we commend ihe efforts that are made to provide faith
and cultural opportunities to inmates.

Kitchen
The kitchen facility appeared clean, well-maintained, and quite busy

Programs
The work force development programs such as quilting, shredding, welding and DMV
employment in medium security are very good programs, both in terms of their positive
impact on the inmates and in how it provides a benefit to the community. The points that
inmates earn from these programs are available to buy items from the commissary. The
Grand Jury recommends that some of those points be used to pay for medical care and
medications. We leamed about the CCCF dog program, where certain female inmates
work closely to train dogs for specialty assistance tasks. We were able to see some of the
dogs and directly interact with some of the inmate trainers. We conclude that this
program is very benefrcial to the community and is therapeutic for the inmates, The
Grand Jury recommends studying to see whether the dog program could be expanded to a
veterinary tech program. We believe that such training would give inmates a valuable
employment skill upon release.

Minimum security
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The housing units in minimum security looked overcrowded. The Grand Jury learned
that due to increasing numbers of female inmates, an additional row of bunks has been
added to each housing unit on the minimum side, and these added bunks partially impede
the view of the corrections offrcers. We believe this is a potential security issue. It is
clear that CCCF is full, if not overcrowded, and that additional space for female inmates
is needed. Vy'e recommend that this issue be addressed. 'We observed that the campus of
CCCF is spacious and there is ample room for an addition or auxiliary building to be
added on the minimum side, and it is clear this is needed.
The Grand Jury was impressed with the eyeglass program. The job development
program in in minimum appears to be an excellent program. The Grand Jury was
impressed with the spacious garden area and the fact that it is actually used to supply
food for inmates. The child development center, which allowed inmates to see their
children, was a positive aspect of the facility. The programs building seemed spacious
and adequately outfitted, but it was noted that there are fewer cameras in that area than in
other parts of the facility. We were told that additional cameras were going to be
installed.
We noted that most programs were available to only available to inmates housed in that
particular section of the institution. We recommend that CCCF explore the feasibility
allowing inmates housed on the minimum side be eligible to participate in programs
offered in the medium side.

Visiting rooms
There was a contrast in the visiting rooms. The medium security visiting room was very
nice, bright and inviting, while the visiting room in minimum was not. Nevertheless,
both seemed adequate.

Overall
The entire CCCF facility was clean and appeared to be well-maintained, safe, and wellmanaged.

Dated: January

'*

,ZOrc
Juror

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