Office of Standards and Compliance

In 2023, the Office of Standards and Compliance (OSC) was created to align the Department’s oversight and compliance functions in a centralized, independent structure. OSC employees report to the Executive Officer for Standards and Compliance, who reports directly to the DOC Commissioner. The OSC is led by Executive Officer for Standards and Compliance Mike Garland.

The OSC leads oversight and compliance activities for all DOC facilities, programs, and personnel. This is accomplished through internal audits and reviews, risk management and compliance activities, and administrative investigations. The OSC also administers the Department’s emergency management program, and audits DOC compliance with Title II / Americans with Disabilities Act. The OSC may work with, or refer findings to, appropriate county, state, or federal investigatory or oversight bodies as needed or required. 

The DOC IG serves as the Department of Corrections representative to the State Correctional Facilities Security Audit Group (Minnesota Statute 241.021, Subd. 1h).

Externally, the OSC inspects and licenses all Minnesota jails, lockups, holding facilities, adult community-based residential facilities, juvenile detention centers, juvenile correctional residential facilities, and group homes. Reviews of any unusual occurrences in covered facilities, as identified in Minnesota Rule 2911.3700, are conducted by the OSC, as well as reviews of any architectural and operational planning for new construction, renovation, or remodeling of facilities.

To effectively and efficiently complete its mission, the DOC and OSC have access to all buildings, grounds, books, records, staff, and incarcerated persons (Minnesota Statue 241.021, Subd. 1) in covered facilities.

Contacting the OSC

Complaints involving fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct, or non-compliance involving the Department of Corrections can be reported to the OSC via OIG.DOC@state.mn.us or by calling 651-361-7200