DOC Ombudsman Bureau (Indiana)

The Indiana Ombudsman Bureau was created by the legislature under IC 11-11-1.5 as an independent review source separate from the Department of Correction. Its jurisdiction is limited to determining whether IDOC violated a specific law, rule or written departmental policy, or endangered the health or safety of a person. Complaints must be submitted on the official Ombudsman Complaint Form (State Form 51506), with paper copies available in the law library of each DOC facility and access also provided through tablets and kiosks; representatives may email Ombud@idoa.in.gov or write to 402 W. Washington St., W479, Indianapolis, IN 46204. The Bureau requires incarcerated people to try to resolve the complaint at the facility level first and to exhaust any available grievance or disciplinary appeal, sending all paperwork with the complaint. It aims to respond within ten business days, states that 85 percent of mail is answered within 10 days, will not disclose a complainant's name without permission except as needed to investigate, and cannot investigate matters in litigation.