GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: GDC's Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Unit, and how corrections ombudsmen work elsewhere ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-09-28 09:28:39 EDT Research Date: 2026-09-23 Topic: Oversight & Accountability JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/gdcs-ombudsman-and-inmate-affairs-unit-and-how-corrections-ombudsmen-work-elsewhere/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- This collection sets out facts from public sources on the subject in its title, drawn from Georgia, federal sources, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington. Each entry gives a short statement, the exact passage from the source that supports it, and the source's title, web address and the date it was retrieved. Searches of a source that found no match are listed too, with the wordings that were tried. The entries record what each source said when it was retrieved. They aren't a complete account of the subject, and they don't add analysis or conclusions. QUOTES (5) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Robertson quote opposing ombudsman State Sen. Randy Robertson, chair of the Georgia Senate study committee on GDC, said of an ombudsman: "Basically, what you have is somebody that's not answerable to anyone above or below, and I'm always concerned about ombudsman being put in here... And I think a part of oversight is what we're doing right now." Tags: policy,legal,investigations Sources: Georgia Senate study committee agrees to reform prison conditions, WABE, December 2024 - [reported] Albers quote opposing new oversight bureaucracy The Georgia Senate study committee on the Department of Corrections stopped short of creating independent oversight of GDC; Sen. John Albers said "Oversight is provided by regular committees, subcommittees and study committees, and I'm not sure we need to create yet another level [of bureaucracy]." Tags: policy,legal Sources: Georgia Senate study committee agrees to reform prison conditions, WABE, December 2024 - [reported] Robertson concern about ombudsman accountability Sen. Randy Robertson, chair of the Georgia Senate Department of Corrections Facilities Study Committee, said he is "always concerned about ombudsman being put in here" because such a person is "not answerable to anyone above or below," and said the committee's own work already provided oversight. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Georgia Senate study committee agrees to reform prison conditions, WABE, December 2024 - [reported] Matthew Charles testimony on independent ombudsman models Matthew Charles, Senior Policy Advisor with Families Against Mandatory Minimums, told the Georgia Senate DOC study committee that "the oversight model is present in Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia" and that "such ombudsmen are independent of the corrections agencies and typically report to the state attorneys general, governors, and legislatures." Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport - [reported] Matthew Charles testimony on federal Prison Oversight Act of 2024 Matthew Charles, Senior Policy Advisor with Families Against Mandatory Minimums, told the Georgia Senate DOC study committee that the federal Prison Oversight Act (FPOA) of 2024 "calls for independent prison oversight through an ombudsman and regular inspections by the Inspector General so that corrective actions for issues of health and safety can be taken within 60 days." Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,investigations Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport STATISTICS (12) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] GDC rejected ~480 of 1,481 grievance appeals in six months of 2023 In a period of approximately six months in 2023, GDC documented 1,481 grievance appeals, approximately 480 of which were rejected for failure to follow procedural requirements for filing grievances, such as timeliness, raising multiple issues in a single grievance, or grieving a 'non-grievable' issue. The DOJ found GDC routinely rejects grievances for minor procedural issues even when the grievance raised potentially serious safety concerns. Value: 1481.0 grievance appeals (vs. 480 rejected for procedural requirements) Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,operations,investigations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Minnesota Ombuds for Corrections: 968 complaints and 159 investigations in 2025 Minnesota's Office of the Ombuds for Corrections received 968 complaints and conducted 159 investigations in 2025, as reported in its annual report. Value: 968.0 complaints (vs. 159 investigations) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: operations,investigations,policy Sources: mn.gov: 2025 Annual Report tcm1157 724959 - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman FY2025 complaints received Virginia's Corrections Ombudsman Unit received 869 complaints during fiscal year 2025, representing complaints from or about 321 different inmates. Value: 869.0 complaints (vs. 321 inmates represented) Tags: operations,policy Sources: Commonwealth of Virginia - [reported] Maryland OCO collected approximately 1,978 complaints since October The Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman's complaint process has collected approximately 1,978 complaints filed with OCO, including 1457 complaints on the DPSCS side (Correctional Oversight) and 511 complaints filed on the DJS side (Juvenile Oversight) since October. Value: 1978.0 complaints Tags: operations,investigations Sources: The Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman - [reported] New Jersey Ombudsperson received 13,116 contacts in FY2025 From July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, the New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson received 13,116 contacts, about 50 per workday, from incarcerated people and their loved ones reporting concerns and requesting assistance. Value: 13116.0 contacts (vs. 50 contacts per workday) Tags: operations,investigations Sources: 2025 Annual Report, FY25AnnualReport - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman complaint categories FY2025 Of Virginia's Corrections Ombudsman Unit's complaints, 500 concerned non-covered issues, 405 concerned denial or violation of rights, 372 concerned medical healthcare, and 370 concerned the VADOC Administrative Remedies Process. Value: 500.0 complaints (non-covered issues) (vs. 405 denial/violation of rights complaints) Tags: medical,legal,operations,policy Sources: Commonwealth of Virginia - [reported] Maryland OCO received 11 complaints/inquiries in annual report Maryland's Office of the Correctional Ombudsman's annual report states the office received a total of 11 complaints/inquiries, broken down by facility. Value: 11.0 complaints/inquiries Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: operations,investigations Sources: dlslibrary.state.md.us: SB134Ch836(5)(2024) - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman complaint backlog as of June 30, 2025 As of June 30, 2025, 311 of Virginia's Ombudsman Unit's complaints were awaiting the Ombudsman's action to conclude the case, and 550 complaints remained under preliminary review. Value: 311.0 complaints awaiting action (vs. 550 complaints under preliminary review) Date: 2025-06-30 Tags: operations,policy Sources: Commonwealth of Virginia - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman complaints closed FY2025 The Virginia Ombudsman Unit closed eight complaints, and as of June 30, 2025, 311 complaints were awaiting the Ombudsman's action. Value: 8.0 complaints closed (vs. 311 complaints awaiting action) Tags: operations,policy Sources: Commonwealth of Virginia - [reported] FY2010 Ombudsman responded to 3,211 requests GDC's FY2010 Annual Report states the Office of the Ombudsman responded to 3,211 requests for assistance from concerned family and friends of offenders and provided assistance in resolving their concerns and issues. Value: 3211.0 requests Tags: operations Sources: FY2010 Annual Report - [confirmed] Washington OCO FY2025 cases opened and calls answered In Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025), Washington's Office of the Corrections Ombuds opened 3,767 cases representing complaints from, or about, 2089 incarcerated individuals, resolved 3,785 complaints, and answered 4,773 calls. Value: 3767.0 cases opened (vs. 4773 calls answered) Tags: operations,policy Sources: 2025 Annual Report, OCO 2025 Annual Report - [confirmed] Washington OCO FY2025 cases representing incarcerated individuals In Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025), Washington's Office of the Corrections Ombuds opened 3,767 cases representing complaints from, or about, 2,089 incarcerated individuals. Value: 3767.0 cases (vs. 2089 incarcerated individuals represented) Tags: operations,policy Sources: 2025 Annual Report, OCO 2025 Annual Report LEGAL FACTS (98) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Maryland Correctional Ombudsman established in Attorney General's Office Maryland's Office of the Correctional Ombudsman Unit was established in the Office of the Attorney General by Chapter 836 (Senate Bill 134). Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman subpoena power over VADOC records and staff The Virginia Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman has the power to issue a subpoena to the Department of Corrections for records, documents, or data in the Department's possession, and for Department staff, contractors, or representatives to appear and provide information. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] Maryland ombudsman may subpoena individuals for testimony or evidence The Maryland Correctional Ombudsman Office may subpoena any individual to appear to give sworn testimony or produce documentary evidence reasonably necessary to carry out the Office's duties. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Virginia DOC 20-day records access deadline for Ombudsman Under Virginia law, following notification from the Office of a written request for access to Department records, designated Department staff must provide the Office access to the requested documentation not later than 20 days after receipt of the written request. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] Maryland ombudsman must submit investigation report within 30 days Under Maryland's law, the Correctional Ombudsman Unit/Office must submit an investigation report to the agency within 30 days after completing an investigation. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Minnesota ombudsperson may enter and inspect agency premises at any time Minnesota's ombudsperson may enter and inspect, at any time, premises within the control of an administrative agency. Tags: legal,policy,facilities Sources: Minnesota Statutes 241.90 and 241.93 - [confirmed] Virginia DOC 30-day corrective action plan requirement Under Virginia law, the Department of Corrections shall respond in writing to each inspection report issued by the Office within 30 days of the issuance of the report, including a corrective action plan. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] Maryland ombudsman may access any agency records The Maryland Correctional Ombudsman Office may access any records maintained by an agency. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Minnesota: inmate letters to ombudsperson forwarded unopened A letter to Minnesota's ombudsperson from a person in an institution under the control of an administrative agency must be forwarded immediately and unopened to the ombudsperson's office, and a reply from the ombudsperson must be promptly delivered unopened to the person. Tags: legal,policy,conditions Sources: Minnesota Statutes 241.90 and 241.93 - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman annual report deadline and distribution Virginia's Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman must produce an annual report to be made available online and delivered to the Governor, Attorney General, Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services, House Committee on Public Safety, the Committee, and the Director by December 31 of each year. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] Maryland ombudsman may interview agency personnel and confined individuals The Maryland Correctional Ombudsman Office may interview agency personnel or any individual confined by an agency. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Minnesota agency must report back on ombudsperson recommendations If Minnesota's ombudsperson requests it, an administrative agency must inform the ombudsperson about the action taken on the ombudsperson's recommendations, or the reasons for not complying, within the time the ombudsperson specifies. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Minnesota Statutes 241.90 and 241.93 - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman reasonable access to all facilities and programs Under Virginia law, the Office shall have reasonable access, upon request in person or in writing and with or without prior notice, to all Department facilities, including all areas used by or accessible to inmates, and to programs for inmates, at reasonable times. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,operations,facilities Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] Maryland ombudsman annual report due December 31 to Governor and General Assembly On or before December 31 each year, the Maryland Correctional Ombudsman Unit/Office shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly on investigations conducted by the Unit/Office. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Minnesota ombudsperson annual reporting requirement to governor and legislature Minnesota's ombudsperson for corrections must report to the governor and the senate and house committee chairs and ranking minority members for the committees and divisions with fiscal and policy jurisdiction over public safety and corrections, in addition to any reports made on an ad hoc basis, at the end of each year on the ombudsperson's functions during the preceding year. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Sec. 241.95 MN Statutes - [confirmed] Virginia initial facility inspection deadline July 1, 2026 Under Virginia law, the initial inspection of each individual Department of Corrections facility by the Office shall be conducted by July 1, 2026, and the findings shall be publicly reported or included in the annual report. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,facilities,operations Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] Maryland General Assembly intent for at least two staff members for ombudsman office Maryland's law expresses General Assembly intent that the Governor include in the state budget for fiscal year 2025 and each subsequent fiscal year an appropriation sufficient to fund the Act's provisions and provide for at least two staff members of the Office. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: legal,budget,staffing Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Minnesota ombudsperson access to private/confidential corrections and medical data Minnesota's ombudsperson has access, notwithstanding two data-privacy statutes (sections 13.384 and 13.85), to corrections and detention data and medical data classified as private or confidential when necessary to perform the ombudsperson's duties. Tags: legal,medical,policy Sources: Sec. 241.94 MN Statutes - [confirmed] Minnesota Ombudsman for Corrections established 1972 by executive order, 1973 by legislature Minnesota's Ombudsman for Corrections was first established in 1972 by Governor Wendell Anderson in Executive Order 14 as an independent agency in the executive branch, and the Legislature created the Ombudsman for Corrections as an independent agency in 1973. Tags: legal,policy Sources: OBFC History / mn.gov - [confirmed] Federal Prison Oversight Act: DOJ Ombudsman established outside BOP The Federal Prison Oversight Act requires the Attorney General to establish an Ombudsman within the Department of Justice, not within the Bureau of Prisons itself. The establishment must occur not later than 1 year after the date of enactment. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: H. R. 3019; Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024 - [confirmed] Maryland statutory annual reporting requirement codified at State Government Article 9-4006 Maryland's statutory annual reporting requirement for the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman is currently codified at State Government Article section 9-4006, requiring a report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before December 31 each year. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Correctional Ombudsman, Maryland Office of the - Reports (Mandated) - [confirmed] Minnesota corrections ombudsman eliminated 2003, re-created 2019, opened 2020 Minnesota's original corrections ombudsman office was eliminated by the legislature in 2003, and in 2019 the Minnesota Legislature re-created the Office of the Ombuds for Corrections by enacting Minnesota Statutes Chapter 241.90-95, with the office opening in 2020. Tags: legal,policy Sources: OBFC History / mn.gov - [confirmed] FPOA: DOJ Inspector General to conduct periodic BOP facility inspections Under the Federal Prison Oversight Act, the DOJ Inspector General is directed to conduct periodic inspections of Bureau of Prisons covered facilities. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: H. R. 3019 - [confirmed] FPOA: BOP must submit corrective action plan within 60 days of IG report Under the Federal Prison Oversight Act, the Bureau of Prisons must respond in writing with a corrective action plan not later than 60 days after the Inspector General issues an inspection report. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: H. R. 3019; Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024 - [confirmed] New Jersey Dignity Act grants Ombudsperson broad access to facilities, people, records The New Jersey Dignity Act provides the Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson broad access to facilities, people, and records. Tags: legal,policy,facilities Sources: 2025 Annual Report, FY25AnnualReport - [confirmed] FPOA: IG and Ombudsman granted access to all BOP facilities upon demand Under the Federal Prison Oversight Act, both the Inspector General and the Ombudsman must be granted access, upon demand, in person or in writing and with or without prior notice, to all Bureau of Prisons facilities including all areas used by or accessible to incarcerated people and programs for incarcerated people at any time of day. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: H. R. 3019; Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024 - [confirmed] New Jersey Dignity Act gives Ombudsperson discretion to investigate complaints The New Jersey Dignity Act gives the Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson discretion to investigate complaints. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: 2025 Annual Report, FY25AnnualReport - [confirmed] FPOA: BOP record access within 30 business days, 10 for death/medical cases Under the Federal Prison Oversight Act, the Bureau of Prisons must provide the Inspector General or Ombudsman access to requested records not later than 30 business days after receipt of a written request, or 10 business days for records concerning a death, threats of bodily harm, or denial or delay of medical treatment. Tags: legal,policy,medical,death Sources: H. R. 3019 - [confirmed] Michigan legislative council establishes procedures for ombudsman budget and personnel Michigan's legislative council shall establish procedures for approving the budget of the office of the legislative corrections ombudsman, for expending its funds, and for employment of personnel for the office. Tags: legal,budget,staffing Sources: Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.353 | FindLaw - [confirmed] New Jersey Ombudsperson allocated to Treasury but independent of its supervision New Jersey's Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson was created when the functions, powers, and duties formerly vested in the Corrections Ombudsperson in the Department of the Public Advocate were transferred to and assumed by the Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury; notwithstanding this allocation the Office shall be independent of any supervision or control by the Department of the Treasury. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] FPOA: IG must submit report within 6 months of inspection completion Under the Federal Prison Oversight Act, the Inspector General must submit a report not later than 6 months after completing an inspection of a covered facility, or a group of inspections at more than 1 facility. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: H. R. 3019 - [confirmed] Michigan office of legislative corrections ombudsman created under act Michigan's 'office of the legislative corrections ombudsman' is created under this act. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.351 | FindLaw - [confirmed] New Jersey corrections ombudsperson appointed by Governor for five-year term New Jersey's corrections ombudsperson is appointed by the Governor from qualified persons of recognized judgment, independence, objectivity, and integrity, who are qualified by training or experience in corrections law and policy, and holds office for a term of five years, removable only for neglect of duty or misconduct. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman complaint receipt confirmation requirement Upon receipt of a complaint or inquiry submitted under Virginia's inmate and family support services provision, the Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman must confirm receipt of the complaint or inquiry. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: § 53.1-17.9. Inmate and family support services - [confirmed] FPOA: Ombudsman must notify complainant in writing if declining to investigate Under the Federal Prison Oversight Act, if the Ombudsman declines to investigate or take action on a complaint, the Ombudsman must notify the complainant in writing. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: H. R. 3019; Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024 - [confirmed] Michigan ombudsman must notify complainant, prisoners, and department upon investigation Upon receiving a complaint from a legislator or a prisoner and deciding to investigate the complaint, Michigan's legislative corrections ombudsman shall notify the complainant, the prisoner or prisoners affected, and the department. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.357 | FindLaw - [confirmed] New Jersey Ombudsperson authorized to hold public hearings and subpoena witnesses New Jersey's corrections ombudsperson shall be authorized to hold public hearings, to subpoena witnesses and documents, and to require that witnesses testify under oath. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Washington corrections ombuds created within governor's office Washington's office of corrections ombuds was created within the office of the governor, subject to availability of appropriated funds, to provide information to inmates and families and promote public awareness of rights. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: RCW 43.06C.020 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] FPOA effective date: 90 days after appropriations made available The Federal Prison Oversight Act and its amendments take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date on which appropriations are made available to the DOJ Inspector General and the Department of Justice for the specific purpose of carrying out the Act. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,budget Sources: H. R. 3019; Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024 - [confirmed] Michigan legislative council may hold hearings and subpoena on ombudsman request Upon request of Michigan's legislative corrections ombudsman, the legislative council (not the ombudsman directly) may hold a hearing and may administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and examine the books and records of the department or of a person, partnership, or corporation involved, in a matter that is or was a proper subject of investigation by the ombudsman. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.358 | FindLaw - [confirmed] New Jersey agency must provide records access within 20 business days Following a written demand for access to agency records from New Jersey's corrections ombudsperson, delegated department staff must provide the ombudsperson with access to the requested documentation not later than 20 business days after the ombudsperson's request. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Washington ombuds reports directly to governor, independent of secretary Washington's corrections ombuds reports directly to the governor and exercises powers and duties independently of the Secretary of Corrections. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: RCW 43.06C.020 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Federal DOJ Ombudsman complaint eligibility expanded The federal DOJ Ombudsman may receive a complaint from an incarcerated person, a family advocate, a representative of an incarcerated person, staff, a representative of staff, a Member of Congress, or a member of the judicial branch of the Federal Government regarding issues that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of incarcerated people or staff. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024 - [confirmed] Michigan ombudsman may request notification of action on recommendations Michigan's legislative corrections ombudsman may request to be notified by the department, within a specified time, of any action taken on any recommendation presented, and shall notify the complainant of the actions taken by the office and by the department. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.361 | FindLaw - [confirmed] New Jersey Ombudsperson right to access, inspect, copy department records New Jersey's corrections ombudsperson has the right to access, inspect, and copy all relevant information, records, or documents in the possession or control of the department that the ombudsperson considers necessary in an investigation of a complaint or the inspection of a facility. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Washington ombuds reasonable access to facilities for abuse/neglect investigations Washington's corrections ombuds must have reasonable access to correctional facilities at all times necessary to conduct a full investigation of an incident of abuse or neglect, including the opportunity to interview any inmate, department employee, or other person. Tags: legal,policy,operations,facilities Sources: RCW 43.06C.050 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Federal DOJ Ombudsman prohibited from levying fees The federal DOJ Ombudsman may not levy any fees for the submission or investigation of complaints. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024 - [confirmed] Michigan ombudsman must submit report within 30 days of completing investigation Michigan's legislative corrections ombudsman shall prepare and submit a report of the findings of an investigation and make recommendations to the council within 30 days after completing the investigation, if the ombudsman finds certain matters requiring department consideration, administrative act modification, or significant prisoner health and safety issues. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.360 | FindLaw - [confirmed] New Jersey Ombudsperson reorganization law P.L.2019 c.288 approved January 9, 2020 The New Jersey law reorganizing the Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson, P.L.2019, c.288, was approved January 9, 2020. Date: 2020-01-09 Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Washington DOC 20-business-day records access deadline for ombuds Following a written demand for access to agency records from Washington's corrections ombuds, delegated department staff must provide the ombuds with access to the requested documentation not later than twenty business days after the ombuds' written request for the records. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: RCW 43.06C.050 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Federal Ombudsman must state reasons when declining to investigate The federal Ombudsman, when declining to investigate, must state the decision not to investigate or take any action and the reasons for the decision. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024 - [confirmed] Michigan ombudsman has access to prisoner medical, mental health, mortality records Upon request and without the requirement of any release, Michigan's legislative corrections ombudsman shall be given access to and physical or electronic copies of all information, records, and documents in the possession of the department that the ombudsman considers necessary in an investigation, including prisoner medical health records, prisoner mental health records, and prisoner mortality and morbidity records. Tags: legal,medical,mental_health,investigations Sources: Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.355 | FindLaw - [confirmed] New Jersey corrections ombudsperson reports directly to the Governor New Jersey's corrections ombudsperson shall report directly to the Governor. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Washington ombuds right to access, inspect, and copy department records Washington's corrections ombuds has the right to access, inspect, and copy all relevant information, records, or documents in the possession or control of the department that the ombuds considers necessary in an investigation of a complaint, and the department must assist the ombuds in obtaining necessary releases for restricted or privileged documents. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: RCW 43.06C.050 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Federal Ombudsman must confirm complaint receipt within 5 business days Not later than 5 business days after submission of a complaint or inquiry, the federal Ombudsman shall confirm receipt. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024 - [confirmed] Michigan ombudsman granted entrance to inspect premises without notice Upon request and without notice, Michigan's legislative corrections ombudsman must be granted entrance to inspect at any time any premises under the control of the department. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.355 | FindLaw - [confirmed] New Jersey Ombudsperson annual report due November 1, disaggregated by facility New Jersey's corrections ombudsperson must, by November 1st of each year, annually submit to the Governor's office and the Legislature, and make publicly available, a report that is both aggregated and disaggregated by each facility, including at minimum the budget and expenditures of the ombudsperson. Tags: legal,policy,budget Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Washington RCW 43.06C.050 enacted in 2018 This section of Washington's corrections ombuds law was enacted in 2018. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: RCW 43.06C.050 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Federal Ombudsman must determine action warranted within 15 business days Not later than 15 business days after issuing the confirmation of receipt, the federal Ombudsman shall make a determination as to whether any action is warranted and notify the complainant. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024 - [confirmed] Michigan ombudsman correspondence with prisoners is confidential and privileged Under Michigan's ombudsman statute, correspondence between the ombudsman and a prisoner is confidential and must be processed as privileged correspondence in the same manner as letters between prisoners and courts, attorneys, or public officials. Tags: legal,policy,conditions Sources: Legislative Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] New Jersey Ombudsperson reports public, online, distributed to media and officials New Jersey's corrections ombudsperson's reports shall be public, accessible through the Internet, and distributed to the media, Legislature, Attorney General, and Governor. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Washington ombuds annual report deadline November 1 Washington's corrections ombuds must submit annually to the governor's office, the legislature, and the statewide family council, by November 1st of each year, a report including the number of complaints received and resolved. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: RCW 43.06C.040 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Michigan Legislative Corrections Ombudsman Act enacted in 1975 as Act 46 Michigan's Legislative Corrections Ombudsman Act, enacted in 1975 as Act 46, created the office of the legislative corrections ombudsman within the legislative council, with the ombudsman appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the council. Date: 1975-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Legislative Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] New Jersey Ombudsperson must establish complaint procedures for inmates and public The New Jersey Corrections Ombudsperson shall establish and implement procedures for eliciting, receiving, processing, responding, and resolving complaints from inmates, their families, other interested citizens, public officials, and government agencies concerning conditions in correctional facilities. Tags: legal,policy,conditions Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Washington ombuds annual report required contents Washington's ombuds must submit an annual report to the governor's office, the legislature, and the statewide family council by November 1st of each year, including the budget, the number of complaints received and resolved, descriptions of significant investigations, and outstanding recommendations. Tags: legal,policy,operations,budget Sources: RCW 43.06C.040 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Michigan ombudsman must submit annual report to legislative council and legislature Under Michigan's ombudsman statute, the ombudsman must submit to the legislative council and the legislature an annual report on the conduct of the office. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Legislative Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] New Jersey facility administrators must publicly respond to monitoring reports and file action plans Facility administrators in New Jersey shall publicly respond to monitoring reports, develop and implement in a timely fashion action plans to rectify problems identified in those reports, and semi-annually inform the public of their progress in implementing these action plans. Tags: legal,policy,facilities Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Washington 90-business-day limit on preventing inmate complaints Under Washington's OCO statute, an inmate may not be prevented from filing a complaint with the ombuds more than ninety business days after filing an internal grievance, regardless of whether the department has completed its internal process. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: RCW 43.06C.040 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Maryland Correctional Ombudsman Unit created under State Government Article Sections 9-3801 to 9-3808 Maryland's Correctional Ombudsman Unit was created by adding Sections 9-3801 through 9-3808 to the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland under a new subtitle for the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman Unit. Tags: legal,policy Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Michigan prisoners protected from penalty for filing complaints or cooperating with ombudsman Under Michigan's ombudsman statute, a prisoner must not be penalized in any way by an official or the department as a result of filing a complaint, complaining to a legislator, or cooperating with the ombudsman in investigating a complaint, and a person or the department must not hinder the lawful actions of the ombudsman or willfully refuse to comply with lawful demands of the office. Tags: legal,policy,conditions Sources: Legislative Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] New Jersey Ombudsperson statute amends P.L.2005 c.155 New Jersey's statute strengthening the Corrections Ombudsperson amends P.L.2005, c.155, and supplements Title 30 and Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [confirmed] Maryland Correctional Ombudsman Unit is independent unit within Attorney General's Office Maryland's Office of the Correctional Ombudsman Unit is established as an independent unit of state government within the Office of the Attorney General. Tags: legal,policy Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Virginia Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman created within State Inspector General Virginia's Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman was created within the Office of the State Inspector General. Tags: legal,policy Sources: § 53.1-17.2. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman; powers and duties - [confirmed] Maryland Correctional Ombudsman may subpoena sworn testimony and documentary evidence Maryland's Correctional Ombudsman Unit/Office may subpoena an individual to appear to give sworn testimony or produce documentary evidence that is reasonably necessary to carry out the unit's duties. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Minnesota Office of Ombudsperson for Corrections created by law, appointed by governor Minnesota's Office of Ombudsperson for the Department of Corrections was created by law, with the ombudsperson appointed by the governor and removable only for just cause. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Sec. 241.90 MN Statutes - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman statute enacted 2024 by chapters 392 and 393 Virginia's Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman statute was enacted in 2024 by chapters 392 and 393 of the Acts of Assembly. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] Maryland court may compel compliance with Ombudsman subpoena, punish as contempt If an individual fails or refuses to comply with a subpoena issued by Maryland's Correctional Ombudsman Office, a court of competent jurisdiction, on the application of the Office, may issue an attachment for the individual and compel the individual to comply with the subpoena, appear before the Office, and produce documentary evidence for examination and give testimony. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Minnesota Minn. Stat. 241.90 enacted new in 2019 Minn. Stat. 241.90 was enacted new in 2019. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Sec. 241.90 MN Statutes - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman selected by the State Inspector General The Virginia Ombudsman is directed by a Department of Corrections Ombudsman selected by the State Inspector General. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [confirmed] Maryland Ombudsman may interview personnel and confined individuals, access records, perform unannounced inspections Maryland's Correctional Ombudsman Office may interview agency personnel or any individual confined by an agency, access any records maintained by an agency, and perform unannounced site visits and on-site inspections of facilities maintained by an agency. Tags: legal,policy,investigations,facilities Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Minnesota ombudsperson may subpoena and seek court enforcement Minnesota's ombudsperson for corrections may subpoena any person to appear, give testimony, or produce documentary or other evidence deemed relevant to a matter under inquiry, and may petition the appropriate state court to seek enforcement of the subpoena. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Minnesota Statutes 241.90 and 241.93 - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman office may subpoena Department records and staff Virginia's corrections Ombudsman office has the power to issue a subpoena to the Department of Corrections for records, documents or data, and for staff or contractors to appear and provide information. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [reported] HB 1504 sponsors Georgia House Bill 1504 was sponsored "By: Representatives McLaurin of the 51st, Schofield of the 60th, Beverly of the 143rd, Mitchell of the 106th, Kennard of the 102nd, and others." Tags: legal,policy Sources: 22 LC 28 0424 - [confirmed] Maryland agencies must respond in writing within 45 days to Ombudsman reports If a Maryland state agency is required to respond to a report from the Correctional Ombudsman Office, the agency must provide a written response within 45 days after receipt of the report. (The bill text shows an amendment from 30 to 45 days.) Tags: legal,policy Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Minnesota ombudsperson may examine records and inspect premises at any time Minnesota's ombudsperson for corrections may examine the records and documents of an administrative agency and may enter and inspect, at any time, premises within the control of an administrative agency. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Minnesota Statutes 241.90 and 241.93 - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman office has reasonable access to all DOC facilities including inmate areas Virginia's corrections Ombudsman office has reasonable access to all Department of Corrections facilities, including areas used by or accessible to inmates and inmate programs, at reasonable times including normal working and visiting hours. Tags: legal,policy,facilities Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [reported] HB 1504 purpose to create Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman The bill proposed "to create the Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman; to provide for its powers, duties, and responsibilities." Tags: legal,policy Sources: 22 LC 28 0424 - [confirmed] Maryland Ombudsman must inform complainant of conclusions, recommendations, actions after investigation On completion of an investigation based on a complaint, Maryland's Correctional Ombudsman Office must promptly inform the complainant of any conclusions, recommendations, and actions taken in response to the complaint. Tags: legal,policy Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Virginia DOC must provide Ombudsman records access within 20 days Under Virginia law, the Department of Corrections must provide the Ombudsman's office access to requested records no later than 20 days after receipt of a written request. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [reported] HB 1504 introduced to amend Title 50 O.C.G.A. A House Bill titled "Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman; create" was introduced in the Georgia General Assembly by Representatives McLaurin, Schofield, Beverly, Mitchell, Kennard and others, to amend Title 50 of the O.C.G.A. to create the Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman. Tags: legal,policy Sources: 22 LC 28 0424 - [confirmed] Maryland Ombudsman must promptly inform complainant of decision not to investigate Maryland's Correctional Ombudsman Office must promptly inform a complainant of a decision not to investigate a complaint. Tags: legal,policy Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Virginia DOC must respond to inspection reports within 30 days with corrective action plan Virginia's Department of Corrections must respond in writing to each inspection report issued by the Ombudsman's office within 30 days of issuance, including a corrective action plan. Tags: legal,policy,facilities Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [reported] HB 1504 last action: House Second Readers GA HB1504's last recorded legislative action was "House Second Readers (on 03/08/2022)." Date: 2022-03-08 Tags: legal,policy Sources: GA HB1504 | BillTrack50 - [confirmed] Maryland Ombudsman must report annually to Governor and General Assembly by December 31 On or before December 31 each year, Maryland's Correctional Ombudsman Office must report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly. Tags: legal,policy Sources: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman annual report due December 31 to Governor, AG, committees, Director Virginia's Ombudsman office must produce an annual report delivered to the Governor, the Attorney General, the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services, the House Committee on Public Safety, the Corrections Oversight Committee and the Director of Corrections by December 31 of each year, including a summary of complaint investigations and findings. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [reported] HB 1504 status: Dead as of 04/04/2022 BillTrack50 lists GA HB1504's status as Dead as of 04/04/2022. Date: 2022-04-04 Tags: legal,policy Sources: GA HB1504 | BillTrack50 - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman must notify complainant in writing if declining to investigate If Virginia's Ombudsman office declines to investigate a complaint, it must notify the complainant in writing of the decision and the reasons for it. Tags: legal,policy,investigations Sources: Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman - [reported] HB 1504 introduced and dead within 2021-2022 Regular Session BillTrack50's tracker for GA HB1504 ("Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman; create") lists it as introduced and dead within the 2021-2022 Regular Session. Tags: legal,policy Sources: GA HB1504 | BillTrack50 DATA GAPS (18) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] DOJ Georgia prisons findings report searched for ombudsman references: no match A search of the DOJ findings report on its investigation of Georgia prisons (justice.gov, retrieved 2026-09-23) for the terms 'ombudsman', 'Inmate Affairs', and 'Office of the Ombudsman' returned no match. Tags: legal,investigations,policy,operations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] H.R. 3019 searched for subpoena or compel-production language: no match A search of H.R. 3019 (govinfo.gov, retrieved 2026-09-23) for 'subpoena', 'subpoena duces tecum', and 'compel production' returned no match. Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: H. R. 3019 - [reported] Michigan Legislative Corrections Ombudsman Act searched for agency response deadline language: no match A search of Michigan's Legislative Corrections Ombudsman Act (Act 46 of 1975, retrieved 2026-09-23) for 'shall respond within', 'days after receipt', 'business days', and 'department shall respond' returned no match. Date: 1975-01-01 Tags: legal,legislation,policy,operations Sources: Legislative Corrections Ombudsman - [reported] Michigan Legislative Corrections Ombudsman Act searched for ombudsman subpoena power wording: no match A search of Michigan's Legislative Corrections Ombudsman Act (Act 46 of 1975, retrieved 2026-09-23) for 'ombudsman may subpoena', 'ombudsman shall subpoena', and 'ombudsman's subpoena' returned no match. Date: 1975-01-01 Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: Legislative Corrections Ombudsman - [reported] Minnesota Statute 241.93 searched for agency response deadline language: no match (first search) A search of Minnesota Statute Sec. 241.93 (revisor.mn.gov, retrieved 2026-09-23) for 'days after', 'within 30 days', 'within 20 days', and 'shall respond within' returned no match. Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: Minnesota Statutes 241.90 and 241.93 - [reported] Minnesota Statute 241.93 searched for agency response deadline language: no match (second search) A second search of Minnesota Statute Sec. 241.93 (revisor.mn.gov, retrieved 2026-09-23) for 'within 30 days', 'within 60 days', 'business days', and 'shall respond within' returned no match. Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: Minnesota Statutes 241.90 and 241.93 - [reported] New Jersey Chapter 288 searched for agency response deadline language: no match A search of New Jersey Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov, retrieved 2026-09-23) for 'within 10 days', 'within 30 days', 'respond to the complainant within', and 'shall respond within' returned no match. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov) - [reported] Washington RCW 43.06C.040 searched for subpoena power language: no match (first search) A search of Washington RCW 43.06C.040 (app.leg.wa.gov, retrieved 2026-09-23) for 'subpoena', 'compel', and 'subpoena power' returned no match. Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: RCW 43.06C.040 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [reported] Washington RCW 43.06C.040 searched for subpoena power language: no match (second search) A second search of Washington RCW 43.06C.040 (app.leg.wa.gov, retrieved 2026-09-23) for 'subpoena', 'compel testimony', and 'compel production' returned no match. Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: RCW 43.06C.040 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [reported] Federal DOJ Ombudsman unfunded as of last NRCCO update; Jan 2026 Congress directive Due to a lack of funding, the federal DOJ Ombudsman created by the Federal Prison Oversight Act had not yet begun its statutorily specified activities as of the NRCCO record's last update. In January 2026, Congress directed the DOJ to establish the Ombudsman office and develop a 5-year budget plan within 90 days. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: budget,policy,legal Sources: Federal Bureau of Prisons - NRCCO - [confirmed] Georgia GDC board minutes searched for ombudsman references: no match Searches of Georgia Board of Corrections meeting minutes from April 2026, December 2024, January 2023, March 2024, March 2026, November 2025, and September 2024 for 'ombudsman' and 'Inmate Affairs' returned no matches. Tags: operations,policy,legal Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes april 2026; Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes december 2024; Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes january 2023; Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2024; Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2026; Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes november 2025; Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes september 2024 - [confirmed] Georgia GDC annual fiscal reports searched for ombudsman references: no match Searches of GDC Annual Fiscal Reports for FY2025 and FY2016 for 'ombudsman', 'Inmate Affairs', and 'Office of the Ombudsman' returned no matches. Tags: operations,policy,budget Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov); gdc.georgia.gov: gdc annual fiscal report 2016 - [confirmed] Georgia Code searched for a corrections ombudsman: no match A full-text search of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (as of the October 2025 official release plus the 2026 session's acts) for "ombudsman" and "ombudsperson" found the word in ten sections, all about two other offices: the long-term care ombudsman (O.C.G.A. §§ 31-8-52, 31-8-55, 31-8-56, 31-8-60 and 31-8-123) and the disability services ombudsman (§§ 37-2-31, 37-2-32, 37-2-33, 37-2-34 and 37-3-214). No section of Title 42 (Penal Institutions) uses either word, and no section creates an ombudsman for the Department of Corrections. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated (full-text search) - [confirmed] Georgia GDC policies and procedures searched for ombudsman references: no match Searches of GDC Policies and Procedures, GAC Subject 125-1-1 ORGANIZATION, GAC Subject 125-1-2 ADMINISTRATION, and Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia for 'ombudsman', 'constituent services', 'inmate affairs', and 'grievance' returned no matches. Tags: operations,policy,legal Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections grievance SOPs — 227.02 Statewide Grievance Procedure and related SOPs 103.63, 204.10, 208.06, 209.01, 209.06, 215.11, 220.04, 222.01, 507.01.07, 507.04.03, 507.04.05; Rules of the Board of Corrections (125-1-1; 125-1-2-.11), Georgia Secretary of State; GA R&R - GAC - Subject 125-1-2 ADMINISTRATION; Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia - [confirmed] Georgia audit reports searched for ombudsman references: no match Searches of Georgia Department of Audits Follow-Up Review 14-02 (June 2014), Follow-Up Review Report No. 16-03 (May 2016), and Special Examination Report No. 18-12 (December 2018) for 'ombudsman', 'grievance', 'complaint', and 'inmate affairs' returned no matches. Tags: operations,policy,legal Sources: Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts Performance Audit (GDC Preventive Maintenance follow-up); DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12); Follow-Up Review Report No. 16-03 May 2016 - [confirmed] Georgia DOJ findings report searched for ombudsman references: no match A search of the DOJ findings report investigation of Georgia prisons for 'ombudsman' and 'Inmate Affairs' returned no matches. Tags: operations,policy,legal,investigations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [confirmed] Georgia GDC ombudsman brochure searched for grievance timeline terms: no match A search of the archived GDC ombudsman brochure FAQ for 'business days', 'calendar days', 'within 24 hours', and 'respond within' returned no matches. Tags: operations,policy,legal Sources: FAQ’S Continued GRIEVANCE ACTIONS - [confirmed] Georgia GDC PowerDMS document searched for ombudsman references: no match A search of a Georgia Department of Corrections PowerDMS document for 'ombudsman', 'Inmate Affairs', and 'Ombudsman Unit' returned no matches. Tags: operations,policy Sources: SOP 227.02 (IIB05-0001), Statewide Grievance Procedure, Georgia Department of Corrections, effective May 10, 2019 FINDINGS (6) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] DOJ finding: GDC does not strategically use grievance information The DOJ found that GDC does not make strategic use of information in incarcerated persons' grievances, which sometimes highlight dangerous conditions that should be, but are not, addressed. Tags: legal,policy,operations,investigations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Minnesota OBFC self-description as independent oversight agency Minnesota's Office of the Ombuds for Corrections describes itself as an independent oversight agency focused on individual concerns and systemic issues affecting the health, safety, well-being, and rights of incarcerated people and staff. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,conditions,operations Sources: mn.gov: 2025 Annual Report tcm1157 724959 - [confirmed] Archived GDC ombudsman contact: ombudsman@dcor.state.ga.us, 478-992-5358 An archived GDC ombudsman brochure listed the contact email as ombudsman@dcor.state.ga.us and phone 478-992-5358, a different email domain than the current ombudsman@gdc.ga.gov. Tags: operations,policy Sources: FAQ’S Continued GRIEVANCE ACTIONS - [reported] Della Newsome testimony: ombudsman unresponsive after fiance's death in custody Della Newsome, whose fiance died in GDC custody, testified to the Georgia Senate DOC study committee: 'I've called the ombudsman. I've called everybody that I can find a phone number to... And everybody keeps telling me that they don't know.' She also noted the family's belongings were being held because the investigation was incomplete and cited a backlog on autopsies. Tags: death,operations,investigations,medical Sources: Georgia Senate panel urges state prisons to focus on mental health, feds to ban cellphones, Georgia Recorder, December 17, 2024 - [confirmed] GDC Grievance and Family Services phone: (404) 656-4661 A separate GDC contacts page titled 'Grievance and Family Services' lists a primary phone number of (404) 656-4661 and the same mailing address, 300 Patrol Road Forsyth, GA 31029, as the Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Office page. Tags: operations,policy Sources: Grievance and Family Services | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC FAQ says GDC created the Ombudsman Unit GDC's own FAQ page states the Ombudsman Unit was created by the Georgia Department of Corrections. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections POLICYS (28) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] GDC Ombudsman brochure: contact only after counselor/warden fails GDC's Ombudsman brochure instructs families to contact the Office of the Ombudsman only after they have contacted the offender's counselor or the warden's office and feel their concerns were not addressed, or if they have a legitimate concern about an offender's care and safety including physical and sexual abuse, threats, harassment, or medical/mental health treatment. Tags: policy,operations,medical,mental_health Sources: FAQ’S Continued GRIEVANCE ACTIONS - [reported] Senate committee recommendations without independent oversight The Georgia Senate's Department of Corrections Facilities Study Committee recommended raising correctional officer salaries, increasing mental health services, auditing vendor contracts and forming a consistent culture among wardens, but stopped short of creating independent oversight; committee member Sen. John Albers said "Oversight is provided by regular committees, subcommittees and study committees, and I'm not sure we need to create yet another level [of bureaucracy]." Tags: policy,staffing,mental_health,budget Sources: Georgia Senate study committee agrees to reform prison conditions, WABE, December 2024 - [confirmed] GDC Ombudsman brochure: office shall not bypass inmate grievance process GDC's Ombudsman brochure states: 'The Ombudsman Office shall not be used to bypass or avoid using the inmate grievance process.' Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: FAQ’S Continued GRIEVANCE ACTIONS - [confirmed] GDC says the Georgia Department of Corrections created its Ombudsman Unit GDC states that the Ombudsman Unit was created by the Georgia Department of Corrections to act as a bridge between concerned citizens and GDC by gathering information that uncovers and reduces problems in the corrections system. Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Ombudsman cannot overturn warden visitation decisions GDC states the Ombudsman unit does not have the authority to overturn the Warden's decision on visitation denial/revocation. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC Ombudsman brochure: no specified response deadline despite high volume GDC's Ombudsman brochure states the office processes a large volume of inquiries daily and that staff make every effort to address each issue in a respectful and timely manner, without specifying a response deadline. Tags: policy,operations Sources: FAQ’S Continued GRIEVANCE ACTIONS - [confirmed] Ombudsman cannot direct facilities acting within policy GDC states that if a facility is acting within policy, the Ombudsman unit does not have the authority to direct the facility to do otherwise. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Ombudsman lacks jurisdiction over parole matters GDC states that parole-related concerns, including tentative parole month changes, are outside the Ombudsman unit's jurisdiction and should be directed to the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Tags: policy,parole,legal Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Maryland OCO published Annual Reports for 2024 and 2025 Maryland's Office of the Correctional Ombudsman has published an Annual Report for 2024 and an Annual Report for 2025, listed among its posted reports. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Reports | Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman - [reported] GDC instructs families to exhaust facility-level grievance first GDC tells families that if an inmate has concerns not being addressed, they should first try to handle it at the facility level by filing a grievance and/or contacting staff in order ending with Ombudsman staff. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Escalation order for inmate concerns GDC lists the escalation order for inmate concerns as: Inmate's Counselor, Chief Counselor, Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment, Warden, and then Ombudsman staff. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] GDC prefers grievance process before Ombudsman contact GDC states inmates may write to the Ombudsman staff but GDC prefers inmates use the inmate grievance process first, reserving direct Ombudsman contact for issues requiring immediate attention. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Maryland OCO hiring for Deputy Ombudsman, Assistant AG, Assistant Ombudspersons Maryland's Office of the Correctional Ombudsman's report lists open hiring for a Deputy Ombudsman for Correctional Oversight, an Assistant Attorney General for the Office, and Assistant Ombudspersons, as positions that would be available in the new year. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: dlslibrary.state.md.us: SB134Ch836(5)(2024) - [confirmed] GDC website reiterates Ombudsman cannot direct facilities within policy GDC's website states that if a facility is acting within policy, the Ombudsman unit does not have the authority to direct the facility to do otherwise. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Medical treatment escalation order includes Regional Director For a loved one not receiving proper medical treatment, GDC's website instructs families to contact staff in this order: Inmate's Counselor, Chief Counselor, Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment, Warden, Regional Director, and then Ombudsman staff. Tags: policy,medical,operations Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Assault reporting instructions GDC's website states an inmate should immediately report any assaults to the counselor, Deputy Warden, and/or Warden, while family members may contact one of the above staff and/or the Ombudsman. Tags: policy,violence,operations Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Ombudsman phone number (478) 992-5358 GDC's "Questions About Your Loved Ones" page lists a phone number of (478) 992-5358 for the Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Office. Tags: operations Sources: Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Ombudsman mission statement GDC states the mission of the Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Unit is to promote fairness, accountability and integrity by investigating public and offender grievances, appeals, and inquiries regarding unfair practices and non-compliance of policy. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Ombudsman Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] Ombudsman complaint submission methods GDC's Ombudsman fact sheet states complaints may be submitted via written letter to 300 Patrol Road, Forsyth, Georgia 31029, by email at ombudsman@gdc.ga.gov, or by calling 478-992-5358. Tags: operations Sources: Ombudsman Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] Ombudsman fact sheet lists Matthew Wolfe as Director GDC's Ombudsman fact sheet lists "Tyrone Oliver, Commissioner" and "Matthew Wolfe, Director". The fact sheet does not say what Mr. Wolfe directs. Tags: operations Sources: Ombudsman Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov) - [confirmed] Ombudsman office contact phone number GDC's Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Office contact page lists (478) 992-5358 as its phone number. Tags: operations Sources: Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Separate Inmate Concerns phone number (404) 656-4661 GDC's site-wide footer, including on the Ombudsman office contact page and the 'Questions About Your Loved Ones' page, publishes a separate 'Inmate Concerns / Questions' phone number of (404) 656-4661, distinct from the Ombudsman line. Tags: operations Sources: Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Ombudsman office contact details GDC's Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Office contacts page lists a primary phone number of (478) 992-5358, but also lists a separate number "Inmate Concerns / Questions: (404) 656-4661" and a mailing address of 300 Patrol Road, Forsyth, GA 31029. Tags: operations Sources: Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] July 2025: Congress directed BOP to fully implement FPOA including ombudsman office In July 2025, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees included language in the annual DOJ funding bills directing the Bureau of Prisons to fully implement the Federal Prison Oversight Act, including by creating the ombudsman office. The Brennan Center noted the Act can only reach its full potential if Congress funds it and DOJ faithfully implements it. Date: 2025-07-01 Tags: legal,policy,budget Sources: The Federal Prison Oversight Act, Explained, Brennan Center for Justice - [reported] Georgia OIG directs corrections complaints to GDC's own Office of Professional Standards The Georgia Office of the Inspector General's public list of "Other Investigative Agencies" directs corrections-related complaints to GDC's own Office of Professional Standards, describing it as an agency that "Examines operations, gathers information, enforces departmental standards and laws through audits and investigations, and recommends solutions" for "complaints related to inmates, facility operations, and other Department of Corrections matters." Tags: policy,investigations,operations Sources: Other Investigative Agencies | Office of the Inspector General - [reported] Ombudsman/Inmate Affairs placed under Public Affairs in FY2010 In GDC's FY2010 Annual Report org listing, Ombudsman/Inmate Affairs is placed under Public Affairs within the Operations, Planning & Training Division. Tags: operations Sources: FY2010 Annual Report - [confirmed] Michigan LCO annual report currently part of Legislative Council Agency Report Michigan's Legislative Corrections Ombudsman currently releases its annual report to the Legislature as part of the Legislative Council Agency Report. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,operations Sources: Legislative Corrections Ombudsman S.B. 156 - [reported] Senate committee recommends audit of vendor contract renewals The Senate Supporting Safety and Welfare of All Individuals in Department of Corrections Study Committee's final report recommended asking the Georgia Department of Audits to review all contract renewals for the past five years to see if there is a pattern of runaway costs by any vendors. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,budget,investigations Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport CASE DETAILS (1) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman first annual report issued December 23, 2024 Virginia's Ombudsman Unit issued its first annual report on December 23, 2024. Date: 2024-12-23 Tags: operations,policy Sources: Commonwealth of Virginia METHODOLOGY NOTES (1) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Virginia Ombudsman FY2025 report period Virginia's Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Corrections Ombudsman Report covers OSIG Corrections Ombudsman Unit activities from July 1, 2024 through June 2025. Tags: operations,policy Sources: Commonwealth of Virginia DATASETS (6) ---------------------------------------- # GDC grievance appeals and procedural rejections, ~6 months 2023 DOJ findings report data on GDC grievance appeals documented in approximately six months of 2023, showing total appeals and those rejected for procedural requirements. Metric Count --------------------------------------------------------------- Grievance appeals documented 1481 Rejected for failure to follow procedural requirements 480 # Maryland OCO Complaints by Oversight Division Complaints filed with the Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman since October, broken down by oversight division. Oversight Division Complaints -------------------------------------------- DPSCS (Correctional Oversight) 1457 DJS (Juvenile Oversight) 511 # Corrections Ombudsman Offices: Complaints and Investigations Comparison Comparative workload metrics for state corrections ombudsman offices in Minnesota (2025) and New Jersey (FY2025). State Period Complaints/Contacts Investigations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minnesota 2025 968 159 New Jersey FY2025 (Jul 2024-Jun 2025) 13116 # Virginia Ombudsman FY2025 Complaint Categories Breakdown of complaint allegations received by Virginia's Corrections Ombudsman Unit during fiscal year 2025 by category. Complaint Category Number of Complaints ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Non-covered issues 500 Denial/Violation of Rights 405 Medical Healthcare (access, quality, timeliness) 372 VADOC Administrative Remedies Process 370 # Virginia Ombudsman FY2025 Complaint Status Status of complaints handled by Virginia's Corrections Ombudsman Unit as of June 30, 2025. Status Number of Complaints ------------------------------------------------------------------ Awaiting Ombudsman action to conclude case 311 Under preliminary review 550 Closed 8 # Washington OCO FY2025 Activity Metrics Key activity metrics for Washington's Office of the Corrections Ombuds during fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Metric Value --------------------------------------------- Cases opened 3767 Incarcerated individuals represented 2089 Complaints resolved 3785 Calls answered 4773 KEY ENTITIES (56) ---------------------------------------- - Brennan Center for Justice [organization]: Research organization whose comprehensive 2015 analysis found increased incarceration accounted for approximately 5% of 1990s crime decline, dropping to essentially 0% post-2000. - Bureau of Prisons [organization]: Federal agency operating the federal prison system; charges medical copays (aka: BOP, Federal BOP) - Della Newsome [person]: Witness whose fiance died in GDC custody; testified to the Georgia Senate DOC study committee about being unable to get information from the ombudsman and others. - Department of Justice [organization]: Federal department that published a 2022 report identifying more than 5,000 uncounted in-custody deaths in national mortality data. (aka: DOJ) - DOJ Inspector General [organization]: Federal oversight body that reviewed 344 federal inmate deaths (Feb 2024) and identified understaffing as a factor in roughly 30 of them. (aka: Federal Inspector General, OIG) - Families Against Mandatory Minimums [organization]: Advocacy organization for sentencing and prison policies that are individualized and fair, represented by Senior Policy Analyst Matthew Charles (aka: FAMM) - Federal Prison Oversight Act [legislation]: 2024 federal law calling for independent prison oversight through an ombudsman and regular inspections by the Inspector General with 60-day corrective action requirements (aka: FPOA) - Federal Prison Oversight Act of 2024 [legislation]: Federal legislation calling for independent prison oversight through an ombudsman and regular inspections by the Inspector General so corrective actions for health and safety issues can be taken within 60 days. (aka: FPOA) - GDC Grievance and Family Services [program]: Separate GDC contacts page listing primary phone (404) 656-4661 and mailing address 300 Patrol Road Forsyth, GA 31029. (aka: Grievance and Family Services) - GDC Office of Professional Standards [organization]: GDC internal office that examines operations, gathers information, enforces departmental standards and laws through audits and investigations, and recommends solutions for complaints related to inmates, facility operations, and other Department of Corrections matters. - GDC Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Office [program]: GDC office that handles family and inmate concerns after counselor/warden contact; per archived brochure, does not bypass the inmate grievance process and has no specified response deadline. (aka: Office of the Ombudsman, GDC Ombudsman) - GDC Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Unit [organization]: Internally created GDC unit that investigates public and offender grievances, appeals, and inquiries regarding unfair practices and non-compliance of policy; lacks authority to overturn warden decisions, direct facilities acting within policy, or address parole matters. (aka: Office of the Ombudsman, Ombudsman Unit, Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Office) - Georgia Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board that issues rules for Georgia prison operations, including Rule 125-4-2-.08 (Library) and Rule 125-2-4-.17 - Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles [organization]: Georgia's parole authority, operates reentry services including Reentry Partnership Housing (RPH) - Georgia Department of Audits [organization]: Georgia state audit agency; the Senate study committee recommended it review all GDC contract renewals for the past five years to check for runaway vendor costs. - Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC) - Georgia House Bill 1504 [legislation]: Georgia House bill introduced in the 2021-2022 Regular Session to amend Title 50 of the O.C.G.A. to create the Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman; died in committee on 04/04/2022. (aka: HB 1504, GA HB1504, Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman; create) - Georgia Office of the Inspector General [organization]: Georgia state office that publishes a list of 'Other Investigative Agencies' directing corrections-related complaints to GDC's own Office of Professional Standards. (aka: Georgia OIG) - Georgia Prisoners' Speak [organization]: Advocacy organization documenting conditions inside Georgia prisons through photos and insider accounts, including food inadequacy. (aka: GPS) - Georgia Senate Department of Corrections Facilities Study Committee [organization]: Republican-led Georgia Senate study committee that held testimony beginning August 2024 and issued final recommendations on Dec. 13, 2024, stopping short of creating independent oversight of GDC. (aka: Georgia Senate study committee on GDC, Senate Supporting Safety and Welfare of All Individuals in Department of Corrections Study Committee) - Georgia Senate DOC Study Committee [organization]: Georgia Senate panel that heard testimony in December 2024 on prison mental health and related issues. (aka: Georgia Senate study committee on DOC) - H.R. 3019 [legislation]: Enrolled bill of the 118th Congress, searched for subpoena and compel-production provisions with no match found. - John Albers [person]: Georgia State Senator; member of the Georgia Senate study committee on the Department of Corrections; opposed creating additional oversight bureaucracy. - Legislative Corrections Ombudsman Act [legislation]: Michigan legislation enacted in 1975 creating the office of the legislative corrections ombudsman within the legislative council. (aka: Act 46 of 1975, Michigan Act 46) - Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman [organization]: Independent unit created by SB 134 (Chapter 836, Laws of Maryland 2024) with authority to review complaints, inspect facilities, and make recommendations. - Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman Unit [program]: Independent unit of Maryland state government within the Office of the Attorney General, established by Ch. 836 (2024), with subpoena power, unannounced inspection authority, and annual reporting requirements. (aka: Correctional Ombudsman Unit, Maryland Correctional Ombudsman) - Matthew Charles [person]: Senior Policy Analyst at FAMM, first beneficiary of the First Step Act in 2018 after serving 22 years of a 35-year federal sentence - Matthew Wolfe [person]: Director, Office of Professional Standards at the Georgia Department of Corrections. - Michigan Legislative Corrections Ombudsman [organization]: Michigan state office created in 1975 by Act 46 within the legislative council, with authority to investigate prisoner complaints, access records, inspect premises, and report to the legislature. (aka: LCO, office of the legislative corrections ombudsman) - Michigan Legislative Corrections Ombudsman Act (Act 46 of 1975) [legislation]: Michigan statute establishing the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman; searched for subpoena power and agency response deadline language with no match found. - Michigan S.B. 156 [legislation]: Michigan Senate bill (2025-2026 session) related to the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman; bill analysis searched for complaint statistics with no match found. - Minn. Stat. 241.90 [legislation]: Minnesota statute enacted in 2019 creating the Office of Ombudsperson for the Department of Corrections. (aka: Sec. 241.90 MN Statutes) - Minn. Stat. 241.93 [legislation]: Minnesota statute granting the ombudsperson for corrections subpoena power and authority to examine records and inspect premises. (aka: Sec. 241.93 MN Statutes) - Minnesota Office of Ombudsperson for the Department of Corrections [organization]: Minnesota state office created in 2019, with the ombudsperson appointed by the governor and removable only for just cause, holding subpoena power and authority to inspect premises and examine records. (aka: Minnesota ombudsperson for corrections) - Minnesota Office of the Ombuds for Corrections [organization]: Independent state oversight agency for Minnesota corrections, established 1972, eliminated 2003, re-created 2019 and opened 2020. (aka: OBFC, Minnesota Ombudsman for Corrections) - Minnesota Ombudsman for Corrections [program]: Minnesota corrections ombudsman office governed by Minnesota Statute Sec. 241.93. - Minnesota Statute Sec. 241.93 [legislation]: Minnesota statute governing the Ombudsman for Corrections; searched for agency response deadline language with no match found. - Minnesota Statutes Chapter 241.90-95 [legislation]: Minnesota statutory framework re-creating the Office of the Ombuds for Corrections in 2019, covering powers, access, and reporting. (aka: MN Stat. 241.90-95) - New Jersey Chapter 288 (P.L. 2019) [legislation]: New Jersey public law related to corrections oversight; searched for agency response deadline language with no match found. - New Jersey Corrections Ombudsman [program]: New Jersey corrections oversight office established or modified by Chapter 288 (P.L. 2019). - New Jersey Dignity Act [legislation]: 2020 New Jersey legislation restructuring the Corrections Ombudsperson with independence from DOC, subpoena power, and unannounced facility access (aka: Dignity Act, 2020 Dignity Act) - New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson [organization]: Independent oversight body for New Jersey state prisons, placed in but not of the Department of the Treasury and substantially strengthened by P.L. 2019, c.288 (A3979, signed January 2020, sometimes described as part of the Dignity Act reforms) in the era of the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility abuse scandal. Holds statutory authority for scheduled and unannounced inspections (N.J. Stat. 52:27EE-28.2(e)) and full records access (52:27EE-28.3(e)). - NRCCO [organization]: Organization maintaining a database of prison oversight bodies; source for status of federal DOJ Ombudsman funding and January 2026 congressional directive. (aka: prisonoversight.org) - P.L.2019, c.288 [legislation]: New Jersey law reorganizing the Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson, approved January 9, 2020; amends P.L.2005, c.155. (aka: Chapter 288) - Randy Robertson [person]: Georgia State Senator, District 29, Chairman of the SR 570 Study Committee (aka: Senator Robertson) - Tyrone Oliver [person]: Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections who in March 2024 stopped including preliminary cause of death in monthly mortality reports. (aka: Commissioner Oliver, GDC Commissioner) - U.S. Department of Justice [organization]: Federal agency that published October 2024 findings report on unconstitutional conditions in Georgia prisons. (aka: DOJ) - Virginia Department of Corrections [organization]: Virginia state agency responsible for the state prison system, subject to oversight by the Virginia Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman. (aka: VADOC) - Virginia Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman [organization]: Independent oversight office housed in the Virginia Office of the State Inspector General, created 2023-2024, with statutory mandate to collect and analyze data on deaths in custody, assaults, grievances, and other metrics. (aka: Virginia Corrections Ombudsman) - Virginia Office of the State Inspector General [organization]: Virginia state agency within which the Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman is created; selects the Corrections Ombudsman. (aka: OSIG) - Washington Department of Corrections [organization]: Washington state corrections agency partnering with Evergreen State College on the Sustainability in Prisons Project. - Washington Office of the Corrections Ombuds [organization]: Independent agency in the Washington Governor's office with statutory access to DOC facilities and records; investigates complaints, conducts monitoring visits, and publishes reports. (aka: OCO) - Washington RCW 43.06C.040 [legislation]: Washington state statute governing the Corrections Ombudsman; searched for subpoena and compel authority with no match found. - Washington State Corrections Ombudsman [program]: Washington state corrections oversight office governed by RCW 43.06C.040. - Wendell Anderson [person]: Minnesota Governor who established the Ombudsman for Corrections in 1972 via Executive Order 14. - WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836 [legislation]: Maryland legislation establishing the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman Unit in the Office of the Attorney General, effective 2024. (aka: Chapter 836, Senate Bill 134, SB 134) SOURCES (66) ---------------------------------------- - § 53.1-17.2. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman; powers and duties, Code of Virginia [legislation, primary] URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title53.1/chapter1/section53.1-17.2/ - § 53.1-17.9. Inmate and family support services, Virginia General Assembly [legislation, primary] URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title53.1/chapter1/section53.1-17.9/ - 2025 Annual Report, FY25AnnualReport, New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.nj.gov/correctionsombudsperson/documents/FY25AnnualReport.pdf - 2025 Annual Report, OCO 2025 Annual Report, Washington Office of the Corrections Ombuds (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://oco.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/default/files/OCO%202025%20Annual%20Report.pdf - 22 LC 28 0424, Georgia General Assembly (2022-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20212022/208222 - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes april 2026, Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-april-2026/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes december 2024, Georgia Department of Corrections (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-december-2024/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes january 2023, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-january-2023/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2024, Georgia Department of Corrections (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-march-2024/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2026, Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-march-2026/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes november 2025, Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-november-2025/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes september 2024, Georgia Department of Corrections (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-september-2024/download - Chapter 288 (pub.njleg.gov), New Jersey Legislature (2020-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://pub.njleg.gov/bills/2018/PL19/288_.pdf - Code of Virginia Code - Article 4. Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman, Code of Virginia (2024-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title53.1/chapter1/article4/ - Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Office of the State Inspector General (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.osig.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/office-of-the-state-inspector-general/pdf/Ombudsman-Annual-Report-December-2025.pdf - Correctional Ombudsman, Maryland Office of the - Reports (Mandated), Maryland State Archives [official_report, primary] URL: https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/25ind/html/20corrombudsr.html - dlslibrary.state.md.us: SB134Ch836(5)(2024), Maryland Department of Legislative Services (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlslibrary.state.md.us/publications/Exec/OCO/SB134Ch836(5)(2024).pdf - DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12), Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts by Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (2018-12-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/21679 - DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024), U.S. Department of Justice (2024-10-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/findings_report_-_investigation_of_georgia_prisons.pdf - FAQ’S Continued GRIEVANCE ACTIONS, Georgia Department of Corrections (archived) (2014-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/2014id_/http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/sites/all/files/pdf/ombudsmanBrochure.pdf - Federal Bureau of Prisons - NRCCO, NRCCO (2026-01-01) [data_portal, secondary] URL: https://prisonoversight.org/oversight-bodies/prison-oversight/federal-bureau-of-prisons/ - Follow-Up Review Report No. 16-03 May 2016, Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (2016-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/19064 - FY2010 Annual Report, Georgia Department of Corrections (2010-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2010/download - FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov), Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2025/download - GA HB1504 | BillTrack50, BillTrack50 (2022-01-01) [data_portal, tertiary] URL: https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1467464 - GA R&R - GAC - Subject 125-1-2 ADMINISTRATION, Georgia Secretary of State [legislation, primary] URL: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/125-1-2 - gdc.georgia.gov: gdc annual fiscal report 2016, Georgia Department of Corrections (2016-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2016/download - Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts Performance Audit (GDC Preventive Maintenance follow-up), Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/17165 - Georgia Department of Corrections grievance SOPs — 227.02 Statewide Grievance Procedure and related SOPs 103.63, 204.10, 208.06, 209.01, 209.06, 215.11, 220.04, 222.01, 507.01.07, 507.04.03, 507.04.05, Georgia Department of Corrections by Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-05-02) [official_report, secondary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/organization/about-gdc/policies-and-procedures - Georgia Senate panel urges state prisons to focus on mental health, feds to ban cellphones, Georgia Recorder, December 17, 2024, Georgia Recorder by Georgia Recorder (2024-12-17) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/12/17/georgia-senate-panel-urges-state-prisons-to-focus-on-mental-health-feds-to-ban-cellphones/ - Georgia Senate study committee agrees to reform prison conditions, WABE, December 2024, WABE by WABE (2024-12-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.wabe.org/georgia-senate-study-committee-agrees-on-prison-reforms-but-not-oversight/ - Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2026 and FY 2027, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports-current-year/afy-2026-fy-2027-governors-budget-report/download - Grievance and Family Services | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contacts/grievance-and-family-services - H. R. 3019, U.S. Government Publishing Office (2024-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr3019enr/pdf/BILLS-118hr3019enr.pdf - Legislative Corrections Ombudsman, Michigan Legislature (1975-01-01) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/2023/http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-Act-46-of-1975.pdf - Legislative Corrections Ombudsman S.B. 156, Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency (2025-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: http://web.archive.org/web/2026/https://legislature.mi.gov/documents/2025-2026/billanalysis/Senate/pdf/2025-SFA-0156-U.pdf - Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.351 | FindLaw, FindLaw [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://codes.findlaw.com/mi/chapter-4-legislature/mi-comp-laws-4-351/ - Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.353 | FindLaw, FindLaw [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://codes.findlaw.com/mi/chapter-4-legislature/mi-comp-laws-4-353/ - Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.355 | FindLaw, FindLaw [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://codes.findlaw.com/mi/chapter-4-legislature/mi-comp-laws-4-355/ - Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.357 | FindLaw, FindLaw [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://codes.findlaw.com/mi/chapter-4-legislature/mi-comp-laws-4-357/ - Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.358 | FindLaw, FindLaw [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://codes.findlaw.com/mi/chapter-4-legislature/mi-comp-laws-4-358/ - Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.360 | FindLaw, FindLaw [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://codes.findlaw.com/mi/chapter-4-legislature/mi-comp-laws-4-360/ - Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 4. Legislature § 4.361 | FindLaw, FindLaw [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://codes.findlaw.com/mi/chapter-4-legislature/mi-comp-laws-4-361/ - Minnesota Statutes 241.90 and 241.93, Minnesota Revisor of Statutes (2025-01-01) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/241.93 - mn.gov: 2025 Annual Report tcm1157 724959, Minnesota Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://mn.gov/obfc/assets/2025-Annual-Report_tcm1157-724959.pdf - OBFC History / mn.gov, Minnesota Office of the Ombuds for Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://mn.gov/obfc/about/history/ - Official Code of Georgia Annotated (full-text search), GPS mirror of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated [legislation, primary] URL: https://gps.press/ocga/ - Ombudsman and Inmate Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contacts/ombudsman-and-inmate-affairs-office - Ombudsman Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/fact-sheets/ombudsman-fact-sheet/download - Other Investigative Agencies | Office of the Inspector General, Georgia Office of the Inspector General [official_report, primary] URL: https://oig.georgia.gov/other-investigative-agencies - Public Law 118–71—JULY 25, 2024, U.S. Government Publishing Office (2024-07-25) [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-118publ71/pdf/PLAW-118publ71.pdf - Questions About Your Loved Ones | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/friends-and-family/questions-about-your-loved-ones - RCW 43.06C.020 (app.leg.wa.gov), Washington State Legislature [legislation, primary] URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=43.06C.020 - RCW 43.06C.040 (app.leg.wa.gov), Washington State Legislature [legislation, primary] URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=43.06C.040 - RCW 43.06C.050 (app.leg.wa.gov), Washington State Legislature (2018-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=43.06C.050 - Reports | Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman, Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman [official_report, primary] URL: https://oco.maryland.gov/reports - Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Georgia Secretary of State (2026-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/download_pdf.aspx?st=GASOS&year=2026&dept=Departments&pdf=Department+125+BOARD+OF+CORRECTIONS - Rules of the Board of Corrections (125-1-1; 125-1-2-.11), Georgia Secretary of State, Georgia Secretary of State by Georgia Board of Corrections (2024-01-01) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/125-1-1 - Sec. 241.90 MN Statutes, Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes (2019-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/241.90 - Sec. 241.94 MN Statutes, Minnesota Revisor of Statutes [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/241.94 - Sec. 241.95 MN Statutes, Minnesota Revisor of Statutes [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/241.95 - senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, Georgia State Senate (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://www.senate.ga.gov/committees/Documents/2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport.pdf - SOP 227.02 (IIB05-0001), Statewide Grievance Procedure, Georgia Department of Corrections, effective May 10, 2019, Georgia Department of Corrections by Georgia Department of Corrections (2019-05-10) [official_report, primary] URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105711 - The Federal Prison Oversight Act, Explained, Brennan Center for Justice, Brennan Center for Justice (2024-01-01) [official_report, secondary] URL: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/federal-prison-oversight-act-explained - The Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman, Maryland Department of Budget and Management (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dbm.maryland.gov/budget/FY2027Testimony/D74.pdf - WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 836, Maryland General Assembly (2024-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2024RS/Chapters_noln/CH_836_sb0134e.pdf