Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC)
Budget
$1,100,000 (FY 2024)
Staffing
8 staff members
- OBFC staff includes the Ombuds and seven Assistant Ombuds. The office is led by Ombuds Margaret Zadra.
State Prison Profile
Minnesota has 11 state prison facilities and 150 local adult and juvenile facilities statewide subject to Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC) oversight. The state incarcerates approximately 8,306 people in state prisons and another 5,900 people in local jails and detention facilities. The state prison system is run by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MNDOC). OBFC also has jurisdiction over systemic complaints for local jails.e Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC) oversight and incarcerates approximately 7,500 people in state prisons. The state prison system is run by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MNDOC). OBFC also has jurisdiction over systemic complaints for local jails.
Authority
MN Statute Chapter 241.90-241.95
- Structure: OBFC is an independent agency. The Ombuds is appointed by the Governor.
- Authorized Activities: OBFC can receive and investigate complaints about any MNDOC facility or staff. The OBFC is tasked with defining a process to intake complaints, perform investigations, and report findings and recommendations. Within this mandate, OBFC can also informally facilitate resolutions and provide education.
- Information and Facility Access: OBFC staff can enter and inspect any facility or premises under MNDOC control at any time, but generally give advance notice. The OBFC must be given access to MNDOC records, documents, and information needed to complete their investigation.
- Privacy: All correspondence between incarcerated people and the OBFC is privileged and cannot be opened by correctional staff. The names of individuals who file complaints and their MNDOC ID number can be accessed with a public records request but cannot be tied to a specific complaint.
Activities
OBFC investigates complaints about MNDOC staff and facilities. At its discretion, OBFC can also investigate apparent systemic issues in MNDOC facilities.
- Complaints Investigation: OBFC investigates complaints only after people who are incarcerated have gone through the MNDOC grievance process, unless there is a reason why they cannot pursue the process. Complaints are filed via mail using OBFC’s official form, though OBFC set up an email system for COVID-related complaints. Many complaints made to the OBFC are resolved by providing information or resources. Full complaint investigations are used to both verify immediate complaints and make recommendations for resolution, and to understand potential systemic issues. In 2024, OBFC handled roughly 867 complaints, conducting “deeper” investigations in 115 of those cases. Roughly 69% of complaints handled by OBFC were about MNDOC prisons and 23% were about local correctional facilities.
- Systemic Issues and Policy Recommendations: OBFC identifies widespread and serious issues in both statewide and local correctional facilities. OBFC staff investigate these systemic problems to identify the underlying issues and make recommendations for changes to policies or practices. In 2024, OBFC systemic investigations focused on MNDOC’s crumbling infrastructure, grievance procedures, and sexual assault or sexual harassment by staff in state prisons.
Reports
Annual reports provided to the governor and the Minnesota Legislature; reports published on individual investigations and systemic issues; reports on OBFC pilot projects; all publicly available here.
Organizational History
The Minnesota Ombudsman for Corrections was first established in 1972 by the Governor of Minnesota and was codified by the Legislature in 1973. Minnesota was the first state to establish an ombudsman specifically for corrections and to give the office independent authority. The office was eliminated by the Legislature in 2003. In 2019, the Legislature re-established the office. The re-established office began accepting complaints on September 21st, 2020. In 2024, in addition to their regular facility visits, OBFC staff started offering open office hours at most state prisons to provide greater access for incarcerated people to share their concerns.
Other Relevant Entities
The MNDOC Jail Inspection, Enforcement and Licensing (JIELU) is responsible for oversight of Minnesota jails. Per MN Statute 241.93, OBFC must coordinate its local jail oversight with the JIELU to ensure they do not duplicate work. OBFC and the JIELU have an MOU to split authority, with JIELU handling “compliance complaints” and OBFC investigating systemic issues.
News Stories:
State Report Details Crumbling Infrastructure and Need for Replacement of or Upgrades to Aging St. Cloud Prison
KNSI, Feb. 24, 2025
Short on fixes for prison problems, Wisconsin weighs independent oversight
Wisconsin Watch, Aug. 29, 2024