PREA

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

What is PREA?

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) establishes a zero-tolerance standard against sexual assaults and rapes of incarcerated persons. It is Public Law 108-79, signed in September 2003 by President Bush.

PREA sets a standard that protects the Eighth Amendment rights of Federal, State and local prisoners -- making the prevention of sexual assault a top priority. It also increases available data on sexual misconduct and sexual assaults, and it increases the accountability for administrators who fail to prevent, reduce, and punish sexual misconduct and sexual assaults.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office supports the prosecution of persons who commit acts of sexual misconduct in its facilities. The Columbia County Jail has developed uniform guidelines and procedures to reduce the risk of in-custody sexual assault and sexual activity. The Sheriff's Office is committed to a zero-tolerance standard for sexual misconduct and sexual assault.