Deer Ridge... New prison opening in Sep.2007

[tristanemilio]

They are sending inmates there starting in Sep. 2007, but I heard there is only 1 yard and 1 kitchen http://www.oregon.gov/DOC/OPS/PRISON...al_Information

[honeyg]

In case anyone was wondering, I found out that Madras does not have tv hookups yet so they recommend that anyone being transferred wait to order a tv until they are there. The hookups are coming but no date yet as to when. I only know because my guy asked me to check because he is surrounded by several inmates who are expecting to be transferred there so I called and asked.

[Timmy'sGirl]

First of all there is several corrections that need to be made here in this postings.. First it is DEER RIDGE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, Not Deer Creek.. LMAO..

Second, There is TV hook ups there. Also There is more then Just one Kitchen and one YARD. So Sorry HoneyG , I have a Uncle that works there and has been there since it opened.

[Dawn.here2help]

I have heard good things about the facility. Are they anticipating a lot of movement in February when medium opens up, have you heard? Will they be moving people in slowly like they did the minimum? Also I heard that the minimum is not filled either...is that true?

Thank you

[D&S]

Madras medium-security prison opening delayed
Posted:var wn_last_ed_date = getLEDate("Dec 27, 2007 3:14 PM EST"); document.write(wn_last_ed_date); Dec 27, 2007 12:14 PM PST

Instead, minimum-security facility will ramp up quicker
By Deanne Goodman, KTVZ.COM
Based on the most recent statewide prison population forecast, the Oregon Department of Corrections announced Thursday that it will open the 1,223-bed medium-security facility at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution east of Madras later than expected.
The medium-security facility was projected to begin receiving inmates in February. Instead, the Department will more quickly open the 644-bed minimum-security facility at DRCI, which first accepted inmates in September.
The tables in the medium-security cafeteria already look worn, but they've actually never been used. The rust is the result of being left outside.
"The individuals hired to open up the medium(-security) facility will be retained," the prison's community development coordinator, Parrish Van Wert, explained during a visit Thursday. "No one is losing their job. They'll be reassigned to the minimum-security facility, since it will be filling quicker than anticipated."
The delay also saves a few tax dollars as well, Van Wert said: "It's cost-saving to the taxpayer, because it costs less to manage an inmate in a minimum (security) situation, so its good news in that sense."
Some medium-security inmates will eventually be put into cells. Meanwhile, over 200 minimum-security inmates sleep in beds that look like bunk beds. Starting in February, hundreds more minimum-security inmates will be arriving, and at an unspecified future date, the medium security facility will be put into use.
The medium-security prison was built to keep up with future needs and a growing population, so it's not expected to reach full capacity for many years.
Deer Ridge Correctional Institution, four miles east of Madras, includes a 644-bed men's minimum-security and 1,223-bed men's medium-security prison.
"The change in the inmate population forecast has presented itself in a way where we can open Deer Ridge in a more cost-effective and efficient manner," said department Director Max Williams.
The DOC is responding to the forecast by fully opening the minimum-security facility.
Prison Superintendent Sharon Blacketter said, "How DRCI comes online will not affect us operationally. Filling our minimum-security prison more quickly will mean that those hired to open the medium(-security facility) will be reassigned positions in the minimum facility."
The Department of Administrative Services' Office of Economic Analysis calculates the prison population forecast and publishes new numbers every six months. In the most recent, October forecast, the projected inmate population over the current biennium was reduced by 299 inmates from last April's reportl.

[Missenhim]

Question:
My friend is at the OSP and is doing very well. On his 6 month review he was given a 7 out of 100 of being a repeater. He has been in the OSP since July 07. He is working in the kitchen.
How and when do they deside to move an inmate? My friend said that he would more than likely stay at OSP for at least 2 years. He is serving a 70 month sentence (Measure 11) no early parole.
Thank you for your continued information.

[LuvMyFirefly]

I know that they can go to minimum when they have less than three years left on their sentence. My guy's cellie just got moved to Madras at his request to the minimum side.

[dinnwanna]

Originally Posted by Missenhim

Question:
My friend is at the OSP and is doing very well. On his 6 month review he was given a 7 out of 100 of being a repeater. He has been in the OSP since July 07. He is working in the kitchen.
How and when do they deside to move an inmate? My friend said that he would more than likely stay at OSP for at least 2 years. He is serving a 70 month sentence (Measure 11) no early parole.
Thank you for your continued information.

We were told and my sweet patootie in eoci has seen...that "they" can and will move you as they will it. There doesn't have to be a reason and if there was one, they aren't going to tell you. Get thrown in the hole and that can increase the odds of being moved to another facility that's for sure. Good luck to ya

[grannyG]

I know nothing about Deer Ridge, but I lived in Madras for 20 years, and now live 30 miles (about) from there. Anybody driving from a ways away to visit at Deer Ridge? I'm not sure when, but coming up soon, Madras will be hosting their Collage of Culture annual event. That is fun and exciting to see, could fill the evening hours if you come for the weekend. Also, summer is fast approaching. An evening after visiting, for a picnic with the kids, at Lake Billy Chinook, swimming and things, would be fun and refreshing.

[OpenHeart]

GrannyG-Thanks for the upcoming event info for the Madras area. I'll be traveling that way within a month and appreciate any inside scoop!

[grannyG]

An update, I looked up the date for this year's collage of culture in Madras. It will be May 17th, 2008. You can get more info on it if you go to the Madras chamber of commerce website. The hot air balloons lift off at 5:30am. that morning, and the events continue from there, right into late at night. It ends somewhere around midnight? not sure of the exact time.
grannyG
Ps. be sure and bring your camera to get pictures to share with your loved one.

[lushlifepdx]

Hi there,
I just found out my guy is being transfered from South Fork Forest Camp to Deer Ridge. He just doesn't know when. Does anyone drive over from VANCOUVER or Portland area that would want to carpool? I don't have a license so I can't help drive but more than willing to help with gas money etc.
Thanks Tammy

PS Also, I would like any general info about the place and the drug/alcohol program if anyone is familiar with it, please.
Thanks!