Ten of Oregon’s 12 prisons were rated in poor condition, the state’s maintenance backlog has climbed to nearly $861 million, and a failure of the Department of Corrections’ aging computer system could force every institution into lockdown, according to a state audit.
The Oregon Secretary of State’s audit found deteriorating buildings, persistent staffing shortages and obsolete technology are undermining prison safety and rehabilitation efforts despite the Department of Corrections receiving approximately $2.7 billion for the 2025-27 biennium.
The department operates 12 prisons housing more than 12,000 adults in custody. Auditors concluded that years of deferred repairs have left most facilities poorly equipped to meet modern standards for ventilation, temperature control, accessibility, medical care and rehabilitation…