Snake River Correctional Institution Overview
Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) is Oregon’s largest state prison, located in Ontario, Eastern Oregon. Operating since 1991, this multi-security facility houses over 3,000 inmates, including medium and minimum-security offenders. SRCI plays a vital role in the Oregon Department of Corrections, accommodating a wide range of inmates, from those serving long sentences to those nearing release. It offers various educational and vocational programs to help prisoners reintegrate into society, including GED preparation, building trades, and call center operations. SRCI also emphasizes behavioral incentives, offering better housing conditions to inmates with good conduct.
Snake River Correctional Institution Contact Information
Address:
Snake River Correctional Institution
777 Stanton Blvd
Ontario, OR 97914-8335
Telephone:
(541) 881-5000
Fax:
(541) 881-5460
For inmate-related inquiries, or to send mail, address it as follows:
Inmate Name, Inmate ID
Snake River Correctional Institution
777 Stanton Blvd
Ontario, OR 97914-8335
Visiting Information at Snake River Correctional Institution
Visiting hours vary by the security level of the inmate:
- Medium Facility: Wednesday to Sunday, 7:50 AM – 10:40 AM and 12:15 PM – 3:45 PM (MST).
- Minimum Facility: Saturday and Sunday, 7:50 AM – 10:40 AM and 12:15 PM – 3:45 PM (MST).
Visits typically last up to three hours, but this can vary based on the day’s schedule and security conditions. When planning your visit, be sure to bring a government-issued ID, and ensure you’re dressed according to the facility’s dress code. Be aware that some items like phones, bags, and wallets are prohibited in the visiting area. It’s also important to check for any updates or visiting cancellations before your trip.
How to Book a Visit to Snake River Correctional Institution
To visit an inmate at Snake River Correctional Institution, you must first be on the approved visiting list. Inmates need to submit a visitor’s application, and once approved, you can schedule your visit. You will need the inmate’s ID number and full name when applying, along with your own details. Up to four people can visit an inmate at one time, and children must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Directions and Parking Information for Snake River Correctional Institution
Snake River Correctional Institution is located in Ontario, Oregon, approximately 5 miles northwest of the city center, near the Snake River. To get there:
- From Ontario: Take US-30 W, then turn onto Stanton Blvd.
- From Boise: Follow I-84 W, take Exit 376, and follow signs to Ontario.
The facility has parking available for visitors near the main entrance, but it can get crowded, so plan to arrive early. Be sure to allow time for security checks before your visit.
Life Inside Snake River Correctional Institution and Recent News
Life at Snake River Correctional Institution is structured with a focus on rehabilitation and security. Inmates have access to vocational training, such as working in the prison’s metal shop, laundry services, or sign-making factory. Educational programs, such as adult basic education and GED classes, are also available. For inmates with behavioral issues, there are specialized housing units like administrative and disciplinary segregation.
Recently, SRCI has been in the news due to its role in the incarceration of Benjamin Jeffrey Smith, convicted in 2023 for a fatal shooting at a protest in Portland
Famous Prisoners at Snake River Correctional Institution
One notable inmate is Benjamin Jeffrey Smith, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the Normandale Park shooting in 2022. Snake River Correctional Institution has housed various high-profile offenders over the years, but Smith’s case stands out due to the political nature of his crime.
FAQs About Snake River Correctional Institution
1. What security levels are at Snake River Correctional Institution?
Snake River Correctional Institution houses both medium and minimum-security inmates, along with specialized units for segregation and infirmary care.
2. How do I contact an inmate at Snake River Correctional Institution?
You can send mail to inmates at 777 Stanton Blvd, Ontario, OR 97914. Include their full name and inmate ID number.
3. What are the visiting hours at Snake River Correctional Institution?
Visiting hours vary. For medium security inmates, visits occur Wednesday to Sunday. For minimum-security inmates, visits are only on weekends.
4. What is the inmate capacity of Snake River Correctional Institution?
SRCI can house up to 3,062 inmates, making it Oregon’s largest prison
5. Are there any inmate programs at Snake River Correctional Institution?
Yes, inmates can participate in educational and vocational programs, including GED classes, work assignments, and trades like sign making
6. How do I book a visit at Snake River Correctional Institution?
Visitors must be on the approved list, which requires the inmate to submit a visitor application. Once approved, visits can be scheduled according to the prison’s visiting hours
7. Does Snake River Correctional Institution offer remote video visits?
Yes, SRCI offers video visitation services through a third-party provider for those unable to visit in person
8. Is there parking available for visitors?
Yes, parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly during peak visiting times
9. What items are prohibited during visits to Snake River Correctional Institution?
Items like cell phones, wallets, and bags are not allowed during visits. Make sure to review the full list of prohibited items before your visit
10. How can I get to Snake River Correctional Institution?
The prison is located near Ontario, Oregon. Visitors can reach the facility via US-30 W or I-84 W, with parking available on-site
Sources
- Oregon Department of Corrections: Snake River Correctional Institution Overview
- Snake River Correctional Institution on PrisonPro
- Snake River Correctional Institution on Wikipedia
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