The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was established in 2003 and mandated that all correctional facilities throughout the United States implement procedures to prevent, detect, respond to sexual abuse and sexual misconduct of persons who are incarcerated in the United States Correctional System. PREA affected all correctional facilities, private and public, and addresses sexual assault by offender on offender and staff on offender.

In accordance with this Act, Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any acts of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual abuse by inmates, staff, contractors/vendors, volunteers, or any other government employee. Upon receiving the Classification Screening all inmates are explained what PREA is, sign acknowledgement of PREA and are provided a copy of the facilities PREA form.

All alleged acts of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence are taken seriously. All will be investigated thoroughly and without bias. Following the investigation, in accordance with PREA, one of three (3) possible determinations will be made:

• Substantiated – The allegation was investigated and determined to have occurred.
• Unsubstantiated – The allegation produced insufficient evidence resulting in the inability to classify the allegation as substantiated or unfounded.
• Unfounded – The allegation was investigated and determined to not have occurred.

Anyone can report acts of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual abuse. This can be done without fear of retribution. All reports are taken seriously and investigated. We ask that any reports be done as soon as possible so that an investigation can be started promptly.

Reporting of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or sexual violence can be done with any staff member of Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center. It is important that during reporting, as much information relating to the incident(s) is provided. Information that is essential for an investigation are as follows:

• Alleged Victim – If the victim is not reporting the incident themselves.
• Alleged Abuser(s)
• Date(s)
• Time(s)
• Location(s)

If an individual who is not the victim is reporting the incident, name and contact information is requested, but not required.

If an individual is located outside of the facility and does not have means to come to the facility or does not wish to do so to report acts of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence that are occurring at Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, then the PREA Investigator can be contacted by phone.

Investigator K. Benson