Preventing Sexual Violence and Victimization Project

Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in 2003 with unanimous support from both parties. Congress intended that PREA would 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.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety proposes that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) implement the 2015 Preventing Sexual Violence and Victimization Project with the goal of further protecting juveniles served at SCDJJ’s secure Broad River Road Complex (BRRC) from sexual violence and victimization through the installation/expansion and use of comprehensive video surveillance systems at five priority locations at the BRRC. SCDJJ’s Inspector General’s Office has worked closely with BRRC Staff and Support Services staff to identify remaining locations at the BRRC where juveniles are vulnerable to possible juvenile sexual assault/victimization. The primary factors considered in this assessment were locations at the BRRC where there is a known lack of surveillance equipment and/or “blind spots” in existing surveillance systems where juveniles cannot be observed and where serious negative juvenile behavioral incidents have also occurred.

Based on this analysis, SCDJJ has identified five locations at the BRRC which are in need of new or increased video surveillance systems in order to help prevent incidents of juvenile sexual assault and victimization. The installation and/or expansion of video surveillance systems at these five priority locations will enable SCDJJ to more fully comply with PREA Standard 115.313 (a): Supervision and Monitoring – providing adequate levels of video monitoring to protect residents against sexual abuse); and Standard 115.313 (a) and (b): Upgrades to Facilities and Monitoring – (a) considering the effect and design of a modification of a building to protect residents from sexual abuse; and (b) when installing or updating video monitoring system, electronic surveillance system, or other monitoring technology, the agency shall consider how such technology may enhance the agency’s ability to protect residents from sexual abuse.

NCA/NCF

Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in 2003 with unanimous support from both parties. Congress intended that PREA would 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.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety proposes that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) implement the 2016 Preventing Sexual Violence and Victimization Project with the goal of further protecting juveniles served at SCDJJ’s secure Broad River Road Complex (BRRC) from sexual violence and victimization through the installation and use of a high quality video surveillance system at the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at the BRRC.

The installation of a high quality video surveillance system at the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) will enable SCDJJ to more fully comply with PREA Standard 115.313 (a): Supervision and Monitoring – providing adequate levels of video monitoring to protect residents against sexual abuse); and (e) Each secure facility shall implement a policy and practice of having intermediate-level or higher level supervisors conduct and document unannounced rounds to identify and deter staff sexual abuse and sexual harassment; and Standard 115.318 (a) and (b): Upgrades to Facilities and Monitoring – (a) considering the effect and design of a modification of a building to protect residents from sexual abuse; and (b) when installing or updating video monitoring system, electronic surveillance system, or other monitoring technology, the agency shall consider how such technology may enhance the agency’s ability to protect residents from sexual abuse.

NCA/NCF