Corrections

During this reporting period, the Fulton County PREA Coordinator (PC) updated the website to include enhanced PREA information. The coaches reviewed Fulton County website. The PREA information was easy to find and provides information on reporting, zero-tolerance and investigations. The team discussed in detail the PREA-related portion of the DOJ CRIPA investigation report. The report was released to the public and will be discussed at the November 20, 2024, Board of Commissioners meeting.

During this reporting period, the coach has been in regular contact with Maine DOC. As mentioned in previous reports, the agency has had turnover in the PREA Coordinator position in the last year. The agency appointed an interim PC, but they did not want to make changes to the grant without the permanent PC being in place. A permanent PC was soon appointed and the interim and the new PC seemed poised to quickly move the grant along. For example, they got a translation of the PRC intake video done for those who speak Somali.

OPSO's grant technically expired on 3/31/24. During this reporting period, the coach communicated with Ania Dobrzanska at BJA to check on whether OPSO had submitted their delinquent reports and request for a no-cost extension. During the December site-based team meeting, Ania informed the coach that OPSO still hadn't submitted any of their outstanding reports or the request for a no-cost extension.

During the reporting period, Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council developed the intake training into the final stages. Other trainings are in the process of being converted into an e-learning format. A consultant is following up with the audited sites to revise the PREA Compliance Manager Handbook. A draft was completed and is under review. Some adjustments are needed to the language that was more specific to secure facilities, rather than residential settings. The PREA Coordinator is completing the schedule for 2025 audits.

During this reporting period, New Jersey Department of Corrections received the final approval from the Treasury for a data collection vendor. The vendor provided a Scope of Work (SOW) and conversations can occur about adding data management to the existing investigation system. Development and implementation are expected to move quickly, since the database was already established. Work on the video is pending information from the production company. Information needed includes availability (days/hours) to accommodate them at the facility and writing the script.

During this reporting period, the camera project at South Mississippi Correctional Institution is approximately 50% complete. Cameras will be added to holding cells. This is an addition to the original project and will require an additional purchase of cameras and a network video recorder (NVR). Cameras were installed at South Mississippi (SMCI). The DVR installation is pending delivery. Wires installation was complete for the infirmary cameras. Data continues to be sent manually to the PC.

During this reporting period, there has been improved communications between the funder and the sites in-between calls. The DOC has gone in person multiple times to work with the funder on reporting requirements. There have been reasons why DYA has not done this, and DYA continues to submit insufficient information for reporting purposes. The funder has said for a couple of months that they intend to speak with the Director of DYA about the challenges, but this has not happened for a number of reasons.

During this reporting period, the Vermont Department of Corrections managed to meet with the coaches on a monthly basis. At the beginning of this period, the Vermont Department of Corrections (VT DOC) grant team wrapped up their regional PCM training, which took place September 30th to October 2nd. The first portion of the training was presented to the PCMs exclusively, and the site asked superintendents and leadership to join the second portion to receive the information alongside PCMs and to share their input and experiences.

During the reporting period, the team reviewed and discussed sections of their PREA audit interim report. Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling (RSAC) staff provided training to RSAC about their role in the community and the services provided under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The telephones in holding can call the assigned PREA reporting numbers. Hiring staff is a priority to address shortages in supervision. WCJDC direct supervision staff were approved for a pay raise and adjustments to the bachelor's degree requirement were made.

During this reporting period, candidates for the PREA Accountability Specialist were identified and interviewed. The agency is in the process of reviewing references. A candidate will be chosen to begin the HR on-boarding process as soon as possible. The curriculum for the PREA Peer Education program is being developed and outlined. It will be fully developed and implemented by the PREA Accountability Specialist.