Oregon Department of Corrections Capital Punishment FAQs

Oregon Department of Corrections
Capital Punishment FAQs
May 18, 2011
How many inmates are currently sentenced to death in Oregon?
There are currently 36 inmates who have received death sentences in Oregon – 35 men and one
woman.
What is the average length of time inmates with death sentences have been awaiting
execution/working through their appeals processes?
Approximately 9.7 years, on average.
What are the State of Oregon’s costs to incarcerate an inmate who receives a death
sentence compared to an inmate who receives a life sentence?
The Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) does not have a cost comparison available
between inmates who receive a death sentence and inmates who receive a life sentence. ODOC
tracks an average cost per inmate per day, which includes inmates in general population and in
special housing units. “Death Row,” at the Oregon State Penitentiary, is considered a special
housing unit. ODOC’s average cost per inmate per day is $84.46.
Has the Department ordered the drugs necessary to carry out Mr. Haugen’s execution by
lethal injection? If so, when was the order placed?
Yes, ODOC placed the order for all drugs needed to carry out Mr. Haugen’s death sentence by
lethal injection. ODOC ordered the drugs in February 2011.
Which drugs did ODOC order?
Pentobarbital (induces unconsciousness)
Pancuronium Bromide (stops breathing)
Potassium Choride (stops heart)
Why did ODOC order the drug Pentobarbital instead of Sodium Thiopental?
In late 2010, Hospira Inc., the United States’ primary supplier of Sodium Thiopental, took the
drug off the U.S. market. Since then, Departments of Corrections across the country have been
working to identify alternative sources for the drug, or have been changing their lethal injection
protocols. As reported in the media, several states have turned to the use of Pentobarbital,
another ultra-short-acting barbiturate, as an alternative to Sodium Thiopental..
Oregon’s lethal injection statute, ORS 137.473(1), states in pertinent part: “[t]he punishment of
death shall be inflicted by intravenous administration of a lethal quantity of an ultra-short-acting

arbiturate in combination with a chemical paralytic agent, and potassium chloride or other
equally effective substances sufficient to cause death.” ODOC, in consultation with its legal
counsel in the Department of Justice, has concluded that ORS 137.473 authorizes ODOC to use
Pentobarbial as an alternative to Sodium Thiopental.
Accordingly, ODOC has decided to use the drug Pentobarbital instead of Sodium Thiopental in
carrying out Mr. Haugen’s death sentence.
What other actions has ODOC taken to begin preparing for an execution?
During the last few months, ODOC has taken initial steps to prepare for an execution, including
reviewing applicable state statutes and Department rules, and department plans and protocols;
identifying and updating institution security protocols for the day of the execution; and putting
plans in place to accommodate the media’s coverage needs.
What will the Department’s next steps be to prepare for carrying out Mr. Haugen’s death
sentence?
Between now and August 16 th , the Department will complete its institution security plan for the
day of the execution. We will begin practicing day-of protocols with all staff members who will
be present at the facility the day of the execution. We will provide information to the media
about upcoming media activities, and day-of institution access protocols. And, we will notify the
media about the official media witness identification process.