Oregon parole support and character letters: where to send them, plus a free letter builder
Who receives letters in Oregon, where to send them, which ID to include and when, from official sources. Then write yours with the builder.
General information, not legal advice. OutSooner does not send letters or contact boards for you.
Coverage: Check manually
Last verified: Oct 16, 2026 · Source: ORS 421.121 (reduction in term of incarceration) (opens in new tab)
Known limitations (1)
- We summarize credit rules from official sources, but we have no DOC data or estimates for this state. Confirm with the Department of Corrections.
Parole: limited
Oregon moved to sentencing guidelines for crimes after November 1, 1989. The Board still holds parole hearings for older sentences and some other cases.
If the person has no parole hearing, the letter that helps is a character letter for clemency or a sentence reduction.
Where to send it
- Address it to: Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision [Official source] (opens in new tab) [Official guide] (opens in new tab)
- Email: bppps.webmaster@paroleboard.oregon.gov
- Mail: Oregon Board of Parole, 1321 Tandem Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97301
- ID to include: SID number. Look it up with Oregon's official inmate locator. Never post it publicly.
- Timing: For a hearing, it must arrive at least 14 days before the hearing.
- Letters are public records and are given to the person before the hearing.
- Write FOR HEARING on it.
Checked Oct 18, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the official source before you send.
Character letters (clemency, commutation, sentence reduction)
The difference: a parole support letter focuses on the release plan (housing, work, transportation, treatment). A character letter is about who the person is, with real examples, and how they have changed. Many good letters have a little of both.
In Oregon, character letters are used mainly in clemency (pardon or commutation) applications. Ask the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision or the Governor's office how to submit them; we did not find published rules specific to these letters.
Use the builder below and choose "Character letter."
What makes a letter strong
- One page. Specific and honest.
- Who you are, how you know the person, and for how long.
- Changes you have seen yourself.
- For parole: a confirmed plan for housing, work and transportation.
- Acknowledge the offense and harm, without re-arguing the case or blaming the victim.
- In your own words: several identical letters carry less weight than one sincere one.
Example 1: parole support letter (sister offering housing)
[Date]
Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision
Re: Letter supporting parole for [Full name], SID number [number], [facility]
Dear Members of the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision,
My name is [your name], and I am [name]'s older sister. I live in [city], Oregon, where I work as a nursing assistant. I have stayed in touch with my brother every week for the [number] years of his sentence.
I have seen real change. He finished his high school equivalency, completed [program], and now talks about the harm he caused without making excuses. When we talk about the victim, he does not change the subject.
If he is granted parole, he will live with me at [address or city] in his own room, in a home with no alcohol or weapons. I will drive him to parole and treatment appointments for the first months. [Employer] has confirmed in writing that he can start work as a [position] (letter enclosed).
I understand how serious his offense was. I am committed to helping him follow every condition, and I will speak up if anything worries me.
You can reach me at [phone]. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely, [signature and printed name]
Example 2: character letter (clemency or commutation, from a former supervisor)
[Date]
Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision
Re: Character letter for [Full name], SID number [number]
Dear Members of the Board,
My name is [your name]. I supervised [name] at [company] for [number] years before their sentence, and for the past [number] years I have led a volunteer group that visits [facility].
I know [name] as someone who follows through. In [year], when a coworker was injured, [name] covered that person's shifts for two weeks without being asked. In prison, they have tutored reading in [program], and the coordinators describe them as patient and steady.
[Name] does not minimize what they did. They have talked with me about the harm to [the victim / the family] and what they have done to change: [examples].
I support their clemency request because [a specific, honest reason, such as their health, years of good conduct, or the support waiting for them].
You can reach me at [phone or email].
Sincerely, [signature and printed name]
FAQ
Where do I send a parole support letter in Oregon?
To the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision: bppps.webmaster@paroleboard.oregon.gov or Oregon Board of Parole, 1321 Tandem Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97301. Confirm with the official source.
What ID number should I include?
The person's SID number, along with their full name and facility.
How is this different from a character letter?
A parole support letter explains the release plan (housing, work, transportation). A character letter describes who the person is and how they have changed; it is used mostly for clemency.
Build your letter
Fill in the fields and the letter builds below. Everything happens in your browser: nothing is sent, nothing is saved, and we do not measure what you type. Print or copy it before you close the page.
About the person
Your details (used in the signature)
The board does not publish a rule about your contact details, but including your address and phone lets staff verify or reach you.
Preview
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Build a parole packet
Cover sheet, home plan, job letter, support plan and letters, printed together. Everything stays in your browser; nothing is sent or saved. Each board decides what it accepts: check the official source before sending a packet.