ORS 423.440: Letters between ombudsman and persons in custody; immunity of complainants and ombudsman; privilege against giving evidence or testifying.

(1) A letter to the Corrections Ombudsman from a person held in custody, including by detention, incarceration and hospitalization, by the Department of Corrections shall be forwarded immediately, unopened, to the Corrections Ombudsman. A letter from the Corrections Ombudsman to such person shall be immediately delivered, unopened, to the person.

      (2) No person who files a complaint pursuant to ORS 423.400 to 423.450 shall be subject to any penalties, sanctions or restrictions because of such complaint.

      (3) The Corrections Ombudsman and the staff of the office shall have the same immunities from civil and criminal liabilities as a judge of this state.

      (4) The Corrections Ombudsman and the staff of the ombudsman shall not be compelled to testify or produce evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to any matter involving the exercise of their official duties except as may be necessary to enforce ORS 423.400 to 423.450.