Powder River Correctional Facility (PRCF) is a minimum custody, State Correctional Institution located in Baker City, Oregon. It currently houses 178 male inmates in three dormitory style, housing units. Powder River is scheduled to expand its inmate population in 2003 by adding 100 more male inmates. An additional housing unit has been constructed and is awaiting funding for occupancy.
PRCF housed its first inmates in November of 1989. The original inmates helped to build and maintain the existing facility. Today, PRCF has fifty inmates who receive intensive alcohol and drug treatment programming and another 128 who are eligible, and expected, to participate in cognitive skills programs, relapse prevention programs and various educational programs. In addition, inmates at PRCF, are expected to work either inside the facility or outside the facility on work crews supervised by Correctional Officers.
Powder River's Alcohol and Drug Treatment program has been recognized as a national leader in the treatment of addiction and criminality within a correctional setting. This can be attributed to the dedicated staff who work within the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program and the support that they receive from the Correctional Officer's represented by AFSCME Local 1878 at Powder River.
Powder River's Work Crew program receives annual recognition from the community of Baker City and the surrounding area. The community has chosen to recognize the labor of the inmates who have performed many community services around the area under the supervision of Correctional Officers.
Some of the projects the inmates and staff have worked on within the surrounding area are now tourist attractions and community or State parks. The most notable of which is the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center located on a bluff overlooking Baker City.
Local 1878 is comprised of approximately 25 Correctional Officers, Corporals and Sergeants. There are approximately 15 non-custodial staff who perform various duties including nursing, supervision of food preparation, clerical duties, counseling, etc.