PREA
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was enacted by Congress to address the need to protect those in custody against sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Salt River Department of Corrections is committed to and enforces a ZERO-TOLERANCE standard for sexual abuse/sexual harassment of detainees by staff (which includes contractors and volunteers) and other detainees.
We strive to cultivate an environment where employees and detainees are safe and free from any type of sexual misconduct through a program consisting of education, prevention, detection, response, investigation and tracking. All type of sexual contact is strictly prohibited, even if the involved persons consent or agree to it.
SRDOC has adopted the Department of Justice Title 28 Code of Federal Regulations Part 115 of the national standards to prevent, detect and respond to prison rape. A PREA coordinator has been assigned to develop, implement and monitor these standards and remain current on best practices for detection and prevention of sexual misconduct. Employees receive annual training regarding federal law and departmental policy governing sexual contact with detainees. Contractors and volunteers who have regular contact with detainees are provided training on the PREA standards and the department’s ZERO-TOLERANCE policy. Posters and information for reporting is available in all detainee living spaces within the facility and addressed in the detainee handbook.
SRDOC will ensure that all staff, detainees, contractors, volunteers and public persons are free from retaliation for good faith reporting of sexual abuse or sexual harassment. The department accepts reports from the Community in a variety of methods to include:
- Verbally to any employee
- Telephonically to Command Staff at 480-362-7200
- In writing at:
3213 N. Longmore Road
Scottsdale, Az. 85256
Detainees in custody can report sexual abuse and sexual harassment
- Verbally to any employee
- To medical staff during sick call
- By confidential letter to the Director
- By contacting a third party who can contact DOC Command Staff
- Calling the confidential tip line (only available from detainee phones)
Regardless of the method of reporting, all allegations will be immediately addressed and thoroughly investigated by SRDOC and other cooperating agencies. Victims of sexual assault and sexual misconduct shall be offered appropriate medical and counseling services.
PREA standards also require that each facility report aggregated numbers of incidents of sexually abusive behavior occurring within the previous year.
Salt River Department of Corrections
2021 Incident of Sexual Abuse or Harassment
| Reported | Substantiated | Unsubstantiated | Unfounded | Ongoing Investigation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff/detainee sexual abuse | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Staff/detainee sexual harassment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Detainee/detainee sexual abuse | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Detainee/detainee sexual harassment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Substantiated: An allegation that was investigated and determined to have occurred.
Unfounded: An allegation that was investigated and the investigation determined not to have occurred.
Unsubstantiated: An allegation that was investigated and the investigation produced insufficient evidence to make a final determination as to whether or not the event occurred.
Sexual Abuse: Contact involving the mouth, penis, vulva or the anus, including penetration, however slight. Penetration of the anal or genital opening of another person, however slight, by a hand, finger, object, or other instrument; and any other intentional touching, (either directly or through clothing) of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or the buttocks of another person, excluding contact incidental to a physical altercation. Any display by a staff member, contractor, or volunteer of his or her uncovered genitalia, buttocks, or breast in the presence of a detainee.
Sexual Harassment includes: Repeated and unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal comments, gestures, or actions of a derogatory or offensive sexual nature toward another, including demeaning references to gender, sexually suggestive or derogatory comments about body or clothing, or obscene language or gestures.
Anyone who knowingly makes a false allegation of sexual assault or harassment which results in an investigation may be criminally prosecuted and held civilly liable.