Salem, Ore. – The Department of Corrections says emergency responders determined that a white powdery substance received earlier in an envelope at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) mail room was not hazardous.
The OSP mail room reported receiving the envelope with the unknown substance. The mail room area was secured. The Oregon State Police Hazardous Materials Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Salem Fire and Rescue responded to evaluate the powder for any hazardous substances.
The mail room is located in a separate building on the grounds of OSP. One staff member had direct exposure and was taken to Salem Hospital. One other staff member was in the mail room at the time the substance was found, but had no direct contact. The institution is operating as normal.
Background: OSP is a maximum-security prison in Salem that houses over 2,000 male inmates. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including death row, disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care.
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