Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility (NORCOR) Adult

You can support your loved ones at NORCOR Adult on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 541-298-1576.

The NORCOR Adult is a low/medium-security detention center located at 201 Webber St The Dalles, OR which is operated locally by the Wasco Regional Authority and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates have been here for less than five years. NORCOR Adult accepts inmates from the Wasco County Sheriff's arrests and surrounding towns, The Dalles Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals. You can see all the arrest records for Oregon here.

The housing of federal detainees is through a contractual agreement with the federal Immigration and US Marshall’s Office. This contract stipulates that NORCOR will house Federal detainees under three conditions; those who are charged with Federal offenses and are being detained while awaiting trial, individuals who have been sentenced and are awaiting designation and transport to a Bureau of Prisons facility, and individuals who are awaiting a hearing on their immigration status or deportation. These are individuals who are already legally in ICE’s custody.

NORCOR is responsible for the housing, supervision, and provision of basic needs for these detainees. No county or state funds are used for their detainment; all expenses are covered by the federal contract. NORCOR serves four counties: Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, and Wasco counties

According to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 181A.820 subsection 2, for individuals booked into NORCOR without a known country of origin, Immigration and Customs officials are notified. NORCOR provides ICE with the individual's name, date of birth, current charges, and identified place of birth. If ICE determines the individual should be detained, they issue an I-203 form. Until that form is received, the individual is allowed to post bail or be released, as NORCOR does not hold them while waiting for the form. Once NORCOR receives the I-203, the individual is officially placed into ICE custody and may only be held if the form has been issued.

All individuals housed through ICE must have an I-203 form, which tracks the custody status of those already in ICE’s custody. This form does not authorize arrests but rather ensures that the individual is appropriately detained under ICE's jurisdiction. NORCOR only accepts detainees with final removal orders, who are awaiting the completion of the deportation process.

NORCOR does not accept individuals solely based on their illegal immigration status. To be accepted at NORCOR, individuals must have either a prior or current criminal conviction in addition to their immigration status. Additionally, NORCOR accepts individuals facing pending federal criminal prosecution who are in a pre-trial status.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.