Oregon Administrative Rules
Chapter 291 - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Division 131 - MAIL (AIC)
Section 291-131-0030 - Examination/Inspection of Legal and Official Mail

Universal Citation: OR Admin Rules 291-131-0030

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 9, September 1, 2024

(1) Legal or official mail shall be afforded special processing as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this rule.

(a) To qualify for special processing, mail that otherwise qualifies as legal or official mail under OAR 291 131 0010 (14) or (18) must have affixed to the addressee side of the envelope or parcel the words "LEGAL MAIL" or "OFFICIAL MAIL", as appropriate. The "LEGAL MAIL" or "OFFICIAL MAIL" designation should be set apart from both the return address and the mailing address, and should be of sufficient size, to permit easy recognition by facility mailroom employees.

(b) Mail that otherwise qualifies as legal and official mail but lacks the proper designation shall be processed as ordinary mail ( shall be subject to inspection; for example, opening, examination, reading or photocopying)outside the inmate's presence.

(2) Legal and official mail sent from or received in a Department of Corrections facility in sealed envelopes or parcels shall be opened and examined for contraband in the presence of the inmate, but shall not be read or photocopied, except as authorized in subsection (3) of this rule.

(3) Legal and official mail may be inspected (i.e., opened, examined, read or photocopied) outside of the inmate's presence only when directed by the Department of Corrections facility functional unit manager or designee, and approved by the Assistant Director of Operations or the Inspector General, based on specific circumstances or specific information indicating that an inmate or other person has or may be in the process of violating provisions of law, department administrative rules, or may otherwise be engaged in activity that threatens or impairs the security, good order, or discipline of the facility and officials, staff, or inmates.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 179.040, 423.020, 423.030 & 423.075

Stats. Implemented: ORS 179.040, 423.020, 423.030 & 423.075

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