About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Oregon Dept. of Corrections by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Oregon Dept. of Corrections to your Twitter account or create one.
@ORCorrections
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James T. Birchard, passed away April 22, 2024. Birchard was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
Birchard entered DOC custody on September 5, 1989, from Umatilla and Morrow Counties with no parole date. Birchard was 70 years old.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.
####
Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD) is hosting an opening ceremony at the Oregon State Correctional Institution. The JLAD program partnership is newly established at OSCI, and the program is bringing much needed joy, levity, and new life to the adults in custody (AIC) within the institution. AICs will provide the training to the service dogs at OSCI. Ceremony will include a presentation of the skills the dogs have learned. April 5, 2024 Check in at 12:00 PM Opening Ceremony 1:00 – 3:30 PM Oregon State Correctional Institution 3405 Deer Park Drive SE, Salem, Oregon 97310 RSVP to Nathan Warren via email no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. A background check is required for access into the facility. A list of equipment, tripods, batteries, microphone, cameras, etc. will be needed. Nathan Warren, Public Information Officer 503-856-2524 Nathan.D.Warren@doc.oregon.gov For more information on the Joys of Living Assistance Dogs program visit www.joydogs.org The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising and training assistance dogs and placing them in positions of service. JLAD’s mission is to provide skilled, devoted service dogs to support and assist persons living with disabilities -- creating cohesive teams focused on building a life of greater freedom and independence. Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) is a medium-security facility located three miles east of Salem, and it was established by action of the 1955 Legislature and became fully operational June 1, 1959. Who: Oregon State Correctional Institution in partnership with Joys of Living Assistance Dogs What: When: Where: RSVP: Contact Information: Additional Information: Background: