The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC) investigates complaints about Minnesota Correctional Facilities (MCFs), also called state prisons. The Department of Corrections operates 10 adult and 1 juvenile Minnesota Correctional Facilities.
Incarcerated individuals can access the OBFC complaint form in the library at their facility. If they cannot access the facility library, they can send a kite to the librarian to request a complaint form.
People incarcerated in Minnesota Correctional Facilities can also request a meeting with an OBFC investigator. OBFC investigators hold regular office hours in most state prisons and travels to other facilities when needed.
1. Incarcerated Person Completes the DOC Grievance Process
Before filling out the OBFC complaint form, the person who is incarcerated must complete the DOC grievance process. Complaints for things that have a DOC grievance process will NOT be accepted or investigated unless there is some overwhelming reason that the DOC process cannot be completed or the process is not being properly followed.
It’s important that the DOC maintain an effective process for resolving grievances for the health and welfare of incarcerated individuals. The OBFC does not want to replace or interfere in that process.
2. Incarcerated Person Makes a Complaint to the Ombuds for Corrections
Incarcerated people are welcome to use the complaint form available in their facility library or to request a visit from an investigator with the OBFC.
As noted above, we will generally not conduct investigations on behalf of another person without their consent, unless they are unable to consent. This is because incarcerated people have the self-determination to choose whether to request assistance from our office. In limited circumstances we can perform welfare checks if someone may be at imminent risk of harm.
If an incarcerated person does not want our assistance or does not respond, the OBFC will not investigate the matter. We cannot provide information to you regarding their status because Minnesota law protects information regarding their case as private data.
Although we will generally not conduct investigations without consent, we appreciate information and updates from family members, advocates, and others about concerns of those who are incarcerated.
3. Ombuds for Corrections Reviews the Complaint
After making a complaint with the OBFC, the incarcerated person will be notified of the status of their case. If an investigation occurs, the office will let the incarcerated person know the results of the investigation and the action taken.
If the OBFC does not investigate the complaint, the information you provide may still be used to inform broader systemic review and recommendations.
