In coordination with the Internal Affairs and Drug Control units, the Inspector General refers matters requiring criminal investigation to the Oregon State Police. The Inspector General, also designated as a Department Assistant Director, is a member of the executive team staff and advises the Director and other managers of issues and problems that may affect Department policy. The Warden Report documents the agency response to the investigation order by Judge Warden. The Department of Corrections Internal Affairs unit is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing against agency staff, citizens, and inmates. Investigations may involve the use of polygraph tests administered by the unit's polygraph examiner, who is licensed by the state.
Administrative evidence is retained by the unit.
Internal Affairs also conducts reviews of use of force incidents by correctional officers against inmates, which result in a final report to the Inspector General. In addition, the unit responds to inmate correspondence to Department administration, and resolves inmate discrimination complaints, in coordination with the Minority Affairs Officer at each institution. The Department Director receives Investigation and Reviews of Force reports via the Inspector General. Internal Affairs maintains a field office located in Pendleton. The Pendleton office investigates cases at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton, Powder River Correctional Facility in Baker City, and Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario.