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What is PREA?PREA is the Prison Rape Elimination Act that was signed into law in 2003. PREA requires zero tolerance for sexual abuse and sexual harassment in our custody. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office believes in the prevention of sexual abuse through education and monitoring of staff and inmate behavior. Prevention, detection, and reduction of incidents of sexual abuse and sexual harassment is one of our top priorities. Inmates and staff will be held accountable for their actions when they violate this policy. Staff members, contractors, and volunteers are educated about their responsibilities under PREA including their duty to report all allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment for investigation. Inmates are educated about PREA in a variety of languages and formats and informed how to report allegations that occur in custody. Medical and mental health services are also provided. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office complies with the PREA standards. You can use the following links for more information and statistics: Press Release - PREA Compliance Frequently Asked Questions
Where does PREA apply?PREA applies in all prisons, jails and lockups in the U.S. and during arrest and while under MCSO supervision. Who falls under these guidelines?Any Sheriff’s Office employee including Deputies, Medical Staff, Counselors, Chaplains, Law Enforcement Officers, Contractors, Volunteers, as well as all Adults in Custody. How does MCSO monitor PREA?The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has designated a PREA Coordinator who develops, implements and oversees the agency’s efforts to comply with the PREA standards. The PREA Coordinator is responsible for reviewing current policies and practices to conform to PREA, and collecting information on reported allegations. Education of staff and inmates is reviewed annually to stay up to date on current best practices in the industry. A PREA Compliance Manager is assigned to the Detention Center and the Inverness Jail to assist in this process. How are reports of sexual abuse or harassment made?Inmates can report sexual abuse or sexual harassment that has occurred or that they witnessed. They can also report any fears of retaliation for reporting an incident or any staff neglect or violation of responsibilities that may have contributed to the incident. They can tell any staff member who they feel most comfortable talking to: a Deputy, Nurse, Chaplain, Counselor, Volunteer or Mental Health Consultant. They can also submit a Grievance, write a Service Request Form (Kyte) to the Jail Detective or tell a family member or friend who can make the report for them. If you would like to make a report for an inmate, you can call 503-227-2010. MCSO takes reports of sexual abuse and sexual harassment seriously and each complaint will be investigated. If criminal behavior is indicated, the case will be sent for prosecution. If an incident indicates an internal policy violation, it will be sent to Internal Affairs for further investigation. If you prefer to report an incident of sexual abuse or sexual harassment to an outside agency, you can also contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office at: CLACKAMAS COUNTY JAIL These reports will be received and forwarded to agency officials at MCSO for investigation. You can remain anonymous at your request.
Chapter 9 - Inmate RightsMCSO Policy 9.3.9 Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment Investigations1. Allegations of sexual abuse that occur within the facilities will be investigated by the Multnomah County Jail Detective or another Law Enforcement Officer, if the Jail Detective is unavailable. 2. Sexual Harassment complaints will be referred to the Multnomah County Jail Detective for subsequent investigation. |
