ORS 423.420: General duties and powers; rules.

The Corrections Ombudsman shall have the power:

      (1) To investigate, on complaint or on the ombudsman’s own motion, any action by the Department of Corrections or any employee thereof without regard to its finality;

      (2) To adopt rules required for the discharge of the duties of office, including procedures for receiving and processing complaints, conducting investigations, and reporting findings, not inconsistent with ORS 423.400 to 423.450;

      (3) To examine by subpoena the records and documents of the Department of Corrections or any employee thereof;

      (4) To enter and inspect without notice any premises under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections;

      (5) To subpoena any person to appear, to give sworn testimony or to produce documentary or other evidence that is reasonably material to an inquiry;

      (6) To undertake, participate in or cooperate with persons and agencies in such conferences, inquiries, meetings or studies as might lead to improvements in the functioning of the Department of Corrections;

      (7) To bring suit in the Circuit Court for Marion County to enforce ORS 423.400 to 423.450;

      (8) To establish and administer a budget for the office; and

      (9) To strengthen procedures and practices which lessen the possibility that objectionable corrections actions will occur.