1. (1) An inmate may be authorized to express his/her religious customs and beliefs in appropriate ways, consistent with facility security, safety, health and order, through the use of approved religious items:

   1. (a) While participating in individual and group religious activities; and
   2. (b) While wearing or carrying a religious emblem, medal, medallion, pendant, or other religious item.
2. (2) Authorization for approved religious items may be restricted based on the inmate’s housing assignment.
3. (3) An inmate assigned to special housing, except Administrative Segregation and Death Row, may possess an approved religious emblem, medallion, or other religious item in his/her cell, but without a chain, thong, or other apparatus worn around the neck.

4. (4) Religious Items:

   1. (a) Approved religious emblems, medallions, symbols, pendants, or other items authorized for inmates to possess in a Department of Corrections facility must generally be purchased from an approved vendor using the Package Authorization form (CD948).
   2. (b) Specific approved religious items may be provided by a religious representative or religious volunteer with approval of the facility chaplain or designee and the institution security manager or designee.
5. (5) An inmate may request a religious item not currently approved by submitting a request for religious accommodation as outlined in OAR 291-143-0115.
6. (6) Inmates may obtain religious reading and study materials including correspondence courses through the mail in accordance with the rules on Mail (Inmate)(OAR 291-131).
7. (7) Department of Correction’s staff will treat all inmate religious property items with respect and will not destroy inmate religious property items without first consulting with the chaplain.
8. (8) As space allows, reasonable, accessible, secure, and separate storage space for group religious objects or symbols will be maintained or provided upon request.

Statutory/Other Authority

179.040, 423.023, 423.030 & 423.075

Statutes/Other Implemented

179.040, 423.020, 423.030 & 423.075

History

DOC 16-2017, amend filed 11/01/2017, effective 11/01/2017
CD 17-1995, f. 8-30-95, cert. ef. 9-11-95