Office of the Ombudsperson for Offenders (the “Office”)
Budget
$350,000 (FY 2024-25)
Staffing
The Ombuds role has been outsourced to a private outside contractor, Sabot Consulting. There are three individuals affiliated with Sabot Consulting that handle the Ombuds’ duties.
State Prison Profile
Nevada has 6 state prison facilities and incarcerates approximately 10,546 people in state prisons. The state prison system is run by the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC).
Authority
Chapter 209 of Nevada Revised Statutes, amended in 2023 by Assembly Bill 452
- Structure: The Office of the Ombudsperson for Offenders (called “O3P”) is tightly connected to the Nevada Department of Corrections, though the law states it must be impartial and operate independently of the Department. The Board of State Prison Commissioners, which governs the NDOC, appoints or contracts with the Ombudsperson, who serves at the pleasure of the Board.
- Authorized Activities: O3P reviews prisoner grievances and may investigate and attempt to resolve those related to alleged abuse or neglect, confinement conditions, and alleged law and policy violations. O3P may propose policy or procedural changes to the Department, and it must report to the Department’s director if there are reasons to believe that there are constitutional or legal violations.
- Access: O3P has access to any information concerning prisoner grievances. It may not review complaints relating to a judgment of conviction or interfere with any ongoing investigation by the Department.
Activities
According to its 2025 Annual Report, Sabot Consulting (acting as O3P) serves primarily as a Level II grievance review team, reviewing grievances that were denied at a lower level within the Department. The team reviewed 248 grievances, of which 66 required additional investigation or follow-up review. The team makes recommendations for improving the grievance process and the automation of grievance records, and it also assesses systemic issues based on the nature of the grievance complaints. There is no process for accepting complaints or concerns from incarcerated individuals, family members, or the general public—all information considered by O3P must come in the form of a grievance.
Reports
O3P is required to provide annual reports by December 1 of each year. The report must include the number of grievances filed and a summary of the claims included, the number of Department investigations and their outcomes, and a summary of the Office’s activities, including any referrals or recommendations. Sabot Consulting has issued two annual reports, though the first was issued in 2024 shortly after a contract was signed and so there was minimal information provided. The second annual report was issued in December 2025. Neither report is publicly available.
Organizational History
In early 2023, oversight advocates and a new prison director together lobbied the legislature for independent corrections oversight legislation. The director of the Nevada Department of Corrections, James Dzurenda, told lawmakers that oversight offices helped reduce problems and litigation in other states. The Legislature passed the bill, and it was signed into law in June 2023. A contract to outsource Ombudsman responsibilities was signed in October 2024, making Nevada the only state to have an outside private entity providing this form of oversight.
Other Relevant Entities
Return Strong Nevada (advocacy group that helped champion the legislation to establish the Office)
News Stories
Advocates praise prison reform legislative victories
(Reno Gazette Journal, June 23, 2023)
Advocates, lawmakers laud progress on implementation of prison reforms
(February 27, 2024)
Advocates raise concerns over Ombudsman position for NDOC during public comment
(December 20, 2024)
Outside study paints damning picture of staffing at Nevada prisons
(December 18, 2025)