02/11/2025

Posted By: DreamingCode Admin

Creating Hope and Opportunities in Intensive Management Units

The Intensive Management Unit (IMU) at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) houses some of the most challenging AIC populations—individuals classified as violent, escape-prone, or struggling with mental illness. These high-security units traditionally offer limited opportunities for meaningful engagement, with AICs spending most of their time in isolation.
That's about to change.

Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) and the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) are launching a contact center pilot program inside the IMU, providing AICs with structured work opportunities that benefit both them and facility staff.

Why a Contact Center?
Breaking isolation – AICs in IMUs typically have few, if any, work opportunities. This program introduces a structured daily routine, reducing stress and isolation.
Building responsibility – Participants earn Performance Recognition and Award System (PRAS) funds, fostering a sense of purpose and financial accountability.
Enhancing safety – Studies show that meaningful work reduces aggression and disciplinary issues, making the IMU safer for both staff and AICs.

Program Goals
Increase the time AICs spend outside their cells
Improve mental health by creating a structured, productive environment
Enhance safety by encouraging positive behavioral changes
Assess potential expansion of similar programs to other institutions

What's Next?
The IMU contact center is set to launch in the first quarter of the next fiscal year. If successful, this pilot program could serve as a model for other institutions, helping transform high-security units into more rehabilitative spaces.

Watch our video to see this initiative in action!