Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 is a federal law established to address the elimination and prevention of sexual assault and rape in correctional systems. PREA applies to all federal, state, and local prisons, jails, police lockups, private facilities, and community systems such as residential facilities.

How Does PREA Apply to Jails?

PREA seeks to insure that jails and other correctional settings protect inmates or detainees from:

• Sexual assault
• Sexual harassment
• "Consensual sex" with employees
• Detainee-detainee sexual assault

These violations affect security and safety of the facility in addition to long term risks to detainees or staff, inside the jail, and to the public once victimized detainees are released back into the community.

Zero-Tolerance for Sexual Abuse

The Hardin County Sheriff's Office maintains zero-tolerance for all forms of sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual harassment.

It is the policy of the Hardin County Sheriff to provide a safe and secure environment for all detainees, employees, contractors, and volunteers, free from the threat of sexual abuse or assault by maintaining a Sexual Abuse and Assault Prevention and Intervention Program that ensures effective procedures for preventing, reporting, responding to, investigating, and tracking incidents or allegations of sexual abuse, assault, or harassment.