MS SB2756

Establishes an Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman within 270 days of enactment, consisting of an Inspections Section and Complaints Investigation Section to monitor conditions and investigate complaints at Mississippi correctional facilities.

Ombudsman selected by a Corrections Oversight Committee for six-year terms (removable only by Governor for cause) and must not be current/former DOC employee or have close relatives employed by DOC.

Ombudsman granted authority to conduct unannounced facility inspections, access all DOC records within 20 business days (5 days for death/assault cases), conduct private inmate interviews, and produce public inspection reports assigning facilities safety/compliance tiers requiring reinspection within 12-36 months.

Office may investigate complaints from inmates, families, and DOC staff regarding abuse, neglect, confinement conditions, policies, and alleged staff violations affecting inmate health and safety; complaints must first exhaust DOC grievance procedures.

Ombudsman required to produce annual public report by December 31 containing inspection findings, complaint summaries, data on deaths/assaults/lockdowns/staffing, and recommendations to Legislature and DOC on facility improvements and inmate welfare; all inmate communications with office are confidential.