The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA)

 

Congress enacted the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) to address the problem of sexual abuse of persons in the custody of U.S. confinement agencies. PREA calls for federal, state, and local agencies to have a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse and sexual harassment (as defined by PREA) in prisons, jails, police lock-ups, and other confinement facilities. The Act applies to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders and to community-based correctional agencies. 

 

Liberty County’s Zero Tolerance Policy

 

Liberty County mandates zero tolerance towards all forms of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment in all its facilities. Liberty County has an aggressive and effective process to comply with all regulations that falls within the scope of the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) and the DOJ National Standards To Prevent, Detect, and Respond To Prison Rape (Final Rule, dated, June 2012) or Subpart A of the DHS Standards to Prevent, Detect and Respond to Sexual Abuse and Assault in Confinement Facilities (79 Fed. Reg. 13100 dated March 7, 2014), Liberty County will comply with these regulations as required.

 

How to Report Allegations of Sexual Abuse/Sexual Harassment of Someone in Liberty County Jail

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To report an allegation of Sexual Abuse/Sexual Harassment on behalf of an individual who is or was housed in the Liberty County Jail or if you were previously housed in the Liberty County Jail and need to report an allegation of sexual abuse/harassment, you may contact the Facility Administrator’s Office in the facility where the alleged incident occurred or where the individual is housed. The Facility Administrator’s office is located at 2400 Beaumont Avenue Liberty, Texas 77575.  Reports can be made over the phone, in person, in writing or anonymously if desired.

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It is critical that you provide as many details as possible to help us investigate the allegation

• The names and locations of alleged persons involved;

• Individual’s register/booking number (if known);

• Date, time and location of where the alleged incident occurred;

• The names of any witnesses to the alleged incident;

• A brief description of the alleged incident;

• Your contact phone number and address if you wish to do so

 

Employee Reporting Options

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Liberty County Employees may report Sexual Abuse or Sexual Harassment information to the Captain or facility management privately if requested. They may also report Sexual Abuse or Sexual Harassment directly to the Human Resource Department.

 

Employees may also contact the Corporate PREA Coordinator directly at the facility (936) 336-9395.

 

Investigations

 

All cases of alleged sexual conduct shall be promptly, thoroughly, and objectively investigated. Upon substantiation of any allegation of sexual conduct, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against the employee, contractor, volunteer, or individual. Those actions may include possible criminal prosecution. If the allegation potentially involves criminal behavior, Liberty County will ensure that allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment are referred for investigation to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office to conduct criminal investigations.

 

Documents and Resources

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• LIBERTY COUNTY JAIL PREA POLICY

• PREA Facility Audit Report: Final

 

To report an incident of Sexual abuse or access to confidential emotional support related to sexual abuse call:

 

National Sexual Assault Hotline     1-800-656-6473

 

The Crisis Center of Southeast Texas 1-800-793-2273 (1-800-7-WE-CARE)

 

P.O. Box 3208 Beaumont, Texas 77704

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