Oregon Administrative Rules
Chapter 291 - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Division 204 - MEDIA ACCESS
Section 291-204-0010 - Authority, Purpose, and Policy

(a) The Department acknowledges the public's concern and interest in the Department's public safety role.

(b) In recognition of the media's role in reporting matters of public interest, and within the inherent limitations of resources and the need for facility security, safety and inmate rehabilitation, it is the policy of the Department to permit and facilitate access by media representatives to Department facilities, programs, inmates and staff for the purposes stated above.

(c) Interviews with designated Department inmates may be permitted with their consent. When authorized, an interview with a designated inmate is permitted neither as a matter of right nor as a privilege of the inmate or the media; rather, an interview may be approved when it is consistent with the Department's mission and goals and the safe, secure and orderly management and operation of the facility, and is not inconsistent with the inmate's correctional planning and rehabilitation.

(d) There are inherent risks associated with entering a prison. Consequently, media representatives enter Department of Corrections facilities at their own risk, and are required to comply with all security and control measures of the facility and the directions of Department staff.