Oregon State Penitentiary
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Oregon State Penitentiary. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Maximum
- Inmate Capacity
- 2,200 approx.
- Established
- 1866
- Operated By
- Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC)
Oregon State Penitentiary Inmate Communication Overview
Oregon State Penitentiary is the only maximum-security state prison in Oregon, operated by the Oregon Department of Corrections and located in Salem in Marion County, which is also the state capital. Opened in 1866, it is Oregon's oldest prison and houses the state's most serious long-term offenders and death row population. Its location within Salem — a city of roughly 175,000 that sits between Portland and Eugene — makes it more accessible than many rural maximum-security facilities. The prison occupies a prominent position in the city and has been central to Oregon's correctional history for over 150 years.
Communication at Oregon State Penitentiary follows Oregon DOC provider contracts. JPay is the primary platform for electronic messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers. Families create a JPay account and add the inmate using their Oregon DOC number. Securus Technologies manages phone calls and video visitation under the ODOC statewide contract. Setting up a Securus prepaid account allows families to receive phone calls, and video visits can be scheduled through the Securus platform. Oregon uses JPay for messaging and Securus for phone and video — these are separate platforms requiring separate accounts.
Salem's location along I-5 between Portland and Eugene makes OSP accessible from multiple population centers. Portland is about 45 miles north, and Eugene is about 65 miles south. For families in the Willamette Valley, in-person visits are practical. For families in eastern Oregon or out of state, JPay and Securus video visits provide reliable alternatives. Oregon DOC accounts created for OSP carry over to any other Oregon facility if an inmate transfers.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
2605 State Street, Salem, OR 97310
Main Phone
(503) 378-2453
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at Oregon State Penitentiary.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: JPay
Available for general population. Death row access may differ.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: Securus
Available for eligible inmates. Confirm eligibility based on housing and privilege level.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: JPay
Digital photos via JPay. Subject to ODOC content guidelines.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: Securus
Inmate-initiated calls via Securus. Fund prepaid account to receive calls.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: JPay
Trust account deposits via JPay for commissary purchases.
Communication Providers at Oregon State Penitentiary
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
JPay
Electronic messaging, photo sharing, and trust account deposits. Uses Oregon DOC number.
Learn More About JPaySecurus
Phone calls and video visitation under the Oregon DOC statewide contract.
Learn More About SecurusCommunication Rules at Oregon State Penitentiary
- JPay handles messaging and money. Securus handles phone and video. Both require separate accounts.
- Death row inmates may have restricted communication access — confirm directly with the facility.
- Messages are reviewed by ODOC staff before delivery.
- ODOC system-wide accounts carry over if the inmate transfers to another Oregon facility.
- Senders must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Oregon State Penitentiary
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I send a message to someone at Oregon State Penitentiary?
- Create a JPay account at jpay.com and add the inmate using their Oregon DOC number. Purchase stamps and compose your message. ODOC staff review messages before delivery, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
- How do I set up phone calls from Oregon State Penitentiary?
- Phone calls from OSP use Securus. Create an account at securustech.net or through the Securus app. Set up a prepaid account linked to your phone number and add funds. The inmate will call you from facility phones.
- How far is Oregon State Penitentiary from Portland?
- OSP is in Salem, roughly 45 miles south of Portland on I-5 — about a 45-minute to one-hour drive. For Portland-area families, in-person visits are very feasible on a day trip.
- Is video visitation available at Oregon State Penitentiary?
- Yes, through Securus. Log into your Securus account, search for Oregon State Penitentiary, and select an available time slot. Schedule in advance. Death row inmates may have restricted access — confirm eligibility first.
- How do I send money to an Oregon State Penitentiary inmate?
- Trust account deposits are made through JPay. Log in, go to Send Money, and select Oregon State Penitentiary. Add funds via debit or credit card. Processing takes one to two business days.
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