PREA

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                                                                              PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA)

The Prison Rape Elimination Act is a federal law enacted in 2003 to address the prevention and elimination of sexual assault and rape in correctional systems.  PREA applies to all federal, state, and local jails, police lock ups, private facilities, and community settings such as residential facilities to ensure that sexual misconduct, harassment, or inappropriate behaviors are reported immediately, accurately, and completely.  Jefferson County will make every reasonable effort to comply with the guidelines of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

In an effort to protect the inmates of the Jefferson County Jail from sexual misconduct, there shall be no sexual activity between staff and inmates/detainees, or between incarcerated/detained persons.

ZERO TOLERANCE

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has ZERO-TOLERANCE for all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in the facilities it operates. Sexual abuse of an inmate by an inmate, staff member, contractor, or volunteer will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment by an inmate, staff member, contractor, or volunteer, including demeaning references to gender, sexually suggestive or derogatory comments about body or clothing, or obscene language or gestures will not be tolerated. The Sheriff’s Office will respond to and investigate; either on their own or through the use of an outside agency all allegations of sexual misconduct. Inmates are provided with resources to instruct them on the many ways to report these incidents.

Inmates may report violations of PREA to a Sheriff’s Office Staff member immediately and/or by dialing 777 on the jail phone system to leave a message reporting the sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

Civilians who have information regarding a Jefferson County inmate who has been the victim of sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment while in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office may report information by calling and asking for the jail shift commander at (920)674-8620.


                                                                                              PREA ANNUAL REPORT