Virginia Corrections Oversight Committee
COC
Summary
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The Corrections Oversight Committee is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative oversight body created under Va. Code §53.1-17.3. It consists of 13 voting members: four legislators (two Senate, two House, with cross-party requirements) and nine citizen members appointed by the Governor — including nonprofit prisoner-advocacy reps, rehabilitation-program reps, two formerly-incarcerated individuals, and licensed professionals.
The Committee conducts at least one unannounced random facility inspection per year and has the same full access rights as the DOC Ombudsman under §53.1-17.4. It holds co-chairs from opposing chambers and parties. The Committee does not issue binding discipline but its findings are publicly reported and it directs the Ombudsman's work.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Mixed (multi-branch) |
|---|---|
| Term length | 2 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Code of Virginia Title 53.1, Chapter 1, Article 4
- Citation
- Va. Code §53.1-17.3
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Virginia Department of Corrections facilities — prisons and state correctional institutions