About OCE

Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) traces its beginnings to 1995, when Oregon voters enacted a constitutional amendment that requires correctional institutions to actively engage inmates in full-time work or on-the-job training.

This amendment, known as Ballot Measure 17, took effect April 1, 1995. In 1999, Oregon voters passed Ballot Measure 68, which established Oregon Corrections Enterprises as a semi-independent organization. This legislation put a business like structure around a core activity within the Department of Corrections by providing jobs for inmates.

OCE’s administrator reports to the director of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC). OCE is not supported by taxpayer dollars. Instead, it is funded through sales of its services and products.

The collective efforts of both DOC and OCE staff are foundational to its past and future success. OCE is fortunate to have a workforce that is committed to the mission and understands the importance of reducing recidivism through meaningful inmate work and training programs.  There are currently 1,114 inmates involved in OCE programs and 96 full-time OCE staff.

OCE plays an important role in implementing DOC’s Oregon Accountability Model. Through developing inmates’ positive work ethics and job skills, OCE assists inmates in their transition to productive, tax-paying citizens who contribute to society and to their families.