PREA Reallocation Funds

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.

Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities face difficulties in achieving compliance with PREA standards 115.313/115.13 (staffing and monitoring), standard 115.14 (sight and sound separation of offenders under 18 convicted as an adult from adult offenders), and standard 115.15 (Limits to Cross Gender Viewing). Additionally, the state needs to complete the first cycle of facility audits as required under standard 115.401. IDOC intends to use PREA reallocation funding to offset the costs of enhancing camera systems as required under PREA standard 115.313. The Department’s goal for this application is to reduce the risk of PREA incidents in its female juvenile correctional facility by increasing the level of monitoring and supervision within the facility. Though Madison Juvenile Correctional Facility for Females does have cameras installed, the camera system coverage at present is not sufficient and needs to be supplemented with additional cameras. By the end of the project period, IDOC will have installed cameras in ten (10) locations throughout the facility which have been rated highest risk by the most recent facility mapping. These cameras will allow staff to constantly monitor areas that would otherwise be subject only to periodic staff patrolling. This will reduce or eliminate the possibility of sexual assault occurring in the area; staff will be able to prevent and/or intervene in activity. The additional cameras will also increase the rate of successful prosecution for any incidents. This activity will help improve the State’s compliance with PREA standard 115.313: Supervision and Monitoring. NCA/NCF