PREA
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed in 2003 with unanimous support from both parties in Congress. The purpose of the act was to “provide for the analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape in federal, state and local institutions and to provide information, resources, recommendations and funding to protect individuals from prison rape.” (Prison Rape Elimination Act, 2003)
In addition to creating a mandate for significant research from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and through the National Institute of Justice, funding through the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the National Institute of Corrections supported major efforts in many state correctional, juvenile detention, community corrections and jail systems.
Zero Tolerance Policy
It is the policy of the Franklin County Jail (FCJ) to prohibit any form of sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment of an inmate. The Franklin County Jail has zero tolerance for all forms of sexual abuse or sexual harassment of any individual under the supervision of the FCJ. Anyone who engages in, fails to report, or knowingly condones sexual harassment or sexual abuse of an inmate shall be subject to disciplinary action and may be subject to criminal prosecution. An inmate, employee, contract service provider, visitor, volunteer, intern and/or any individual who has business with or uses the resources of FCJ is subject to disciplinary action and/or sanctions, including possible dismissal and of contracts and/or services, if he/she is found after an investigation to have engaged in sexual harassment or sexual contact with an inmate. A claim of consent will not be accepted as an affirmative defense for engaging in sexual harassment or sexual abuse of an inmate.
Reporting Allegations Of Sexual Abuse/Sexual Harrassment
Every complaint or allegation of sexual harassment shall be investigated thoroughly, objectively and promptly including third-party and anonymous reports. All allegations of a criminal nature will be reported to Pennsylvania State Police.
An inmate who is the victim of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, retaliation by other inmates, or staff for reporting sexual abuse or harassment, and staff neglect or violation of responsibilities that may have contributed to such incidents, should report the abuse to a staff member as soon as possible.
Anyone can report an allegation or suspected incident of sexual abuse or sexual harassment; including inmates, staff, or third parties. This can include allegations that may have occurred at another facility. At the Franklin County Jail, there are multiple options to file a report; including, but not limited to:
For Inmates:
- Notify any staff member verbally
- Report in writing, via Request Slip or Inmate Grievance
- Write to the appropriate law enforcement agency
- Report anonymously or through a third party
- Report to an outside agency via the PA DOC PREA Hotline: 866- 823-6703
For A Third Party
- Send a letter or e-mail to the Captain of Investigations utilizing information in the jail’s contact section
- Verbally report to any staff member
- Contact the Pennsylvania State Police – Chambersburg Barracks
- Call the PA DOC PREA Hotline: 866-823-6703
**It is not required that any personal information be provided when reporting on behalf of an inmate; however, the more information that can be provided regarding dates, times, locations, witnesses, and as much detail about the alleged incident as is known serves to assist staff and law enforcement in their efforts to successfully conduct the investigation
