The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was enacted in 2003 to eliminate sexual abuse in confinement facilities. In addition to providing federal funding for research, programs, training, and technical assistance to address the issue, the legislation mandated the development of national standards. The National Prison Rape Elimination Commission developed recommended national standards for reducing prison rape. The final standards became effective June 20, 2012, when they were published by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Federal Register.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department shall thoroughly investigate every allegation of sexual abuse and when warranted by evidence, impose relative sanctions up to and including criminal prosecution.

 

Stanislaus County’s ZERO TOLERANCE Policy

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding inmate-on-inmate sexual assault, staff sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and/or sexual harassment toward any inmate.  All allegations will be investigated.  This policy applies to all inmates and persons employed by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, including volunteers and independent contractors.

There is no consent for sexual behavior in a custody environment.

Inmates being held in the care and custody of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department are encouraged to immediately report allegations of sexual abuse to an officer, nurse, chaplain, or any staff member. They may also call or write to any of the hotline numbers posted in their housing area. All calls are free and confidential.

 

If you wish to file a third-party complaint of sexual abuse, retaliation, or harassment on behalf of an inmate, you may do so by completing a Third Party Reporting Form and submitting it either in person or U.S Postal Service to:

PREA Coordinator

424 E. Hackett Rd.

Modesto, Ca 95358

 

PREA Third Party Reporting Form

PREA Reports and Statistics