Connecticut Office of the Correction Ombudsman
CT OCO
Summary
Created by Public Act 22-18 (2022) and housed within the Office of Governmental Accountability, the Correction Ombudsman investigates complaints from incarcerated people in DOC facilities, conducts announced and unannounced site visits (including during lockdowns), and inspects and copies any records needed for its investigations. The Ombudsman has subpoena authority to compel document production. The position is appointed by the Governor with General Assembly confirmation for a two-year renewable term; candidates are selected from a list provided by the Correction Advisory Committee (11 members, including two directly-impacted individuals, appointed by legislative leadership). The office issues semi-annual and annual public reports.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 2 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- An Act Concerning the Ombudsman for Persons in the Custody of the Department of Correction (Public Act 22-18, 2022)
- Citation
- CGS §18-81jj et seq.
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Connecticut Department of Correction — investigates complaints from incarcerated individuals, monitors facility conditions, and reviews DOC compliance with state and federal law