Washington Office of Corrections Ombuds
OCO
Summary
Established under RCW 43.06C, the Office of Corrections Ombuds independently investigates complaints from incarcerated individuals regarding conditions of confinement, staff conduct, and use of force within Washington DOC facilities. The Ombuds is appointed by the legislature and may only be removed for cause. The office has full statutory access to DOC records including incident reports, use-of-force documentation, and medical records. It issues advisory recommendations and publishes annual public reports. It does not independently discipline corrections staff but can compel the DOC Secretary to respond to recommendations, and may refer matters to the DOC Inspector General or the Attorney General.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 4 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 | Advisory only (not binding) |
Statute
- Name
- RCW 43.06C — Office of Corrections Ombuds
- Citation
- RCW 43.06C
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Washington Department of Corrections prisons and correctional facilities