LGBTQ

The PREA policies have been updated and approved. PREA posters are in all facilities and housing units. The PREA hotlines (reporting and support services) have been set up. The agency will purchase opposite gender announcement decals.

The PC will compile PREA data and provide the sheriff with a 2023 PREA report for publication on the website. Coaches will provide examples of PREA reports from other agencies.

The team discussed the challenges during the extent of this grant. The agency has had three PC's, a newly elected jail administrator, and two NCE's.

During the April through June 2024 reporting period, under their FY'22 grant, the Washington Department of Corrections (WADOC) continued to work towards their goals. Brydee Rieck, WADOC's Transgender Housing and Program Manager, has been working to review the housing protocols for the transgender population. WADOC hopes to ensure there is a full review for all disclosures, transfers, and moves of anyone who is transgender as these numbers have gone up and the DOC is receiving around 70 requests per month.

During this reporting period, under their FY'22 grant, the Washington Department of Corrections (WADOC) continued to work towards their goals. Brydee Rieck, WADOC's Transgender Housing and Program Manager, has been working to review the housing protocols for the transgender population. WADOC hopes to ensure there is a full review for all disclosures, transfers, and moves of anyone who is transgender as these numbers have gone up and the DOC is receiving around 70 requests per month.

The grant coordinator reported having difficulties submitting the PMT report. The grant extension date for FYI 2022 was not updated in the system. The coach sent the grant coordinator contact information for BJA/PMT to resolve the issue.
Human Resources continues to work on the job description for the PREA Accountability position.

The grant coordinator reported having difficulties submitting the PMT report. The grant extension date for FY2021 was not updated in the system. The grant coordinator reported that the GAM request for FY2021 was rejected. The coach sent the grant coordinator contact information for BJA/PMT to resolve the issue.
The grantee reported they are hoping to open the bidding process soon to get some quotes for camera equipment. The PC reported they need more servers to add more cameras, which may cause a delay.

The grantee is completed PREA audits at all agency facilities.

The grant coordinator reported that the GAM request for FY2020 was rejected.
The PC would like to spend the remaining FY2020 funds on additional training. The PC was reminded the training would have to be PREA-related. The coach provided several PREA training recommendations.

Some of the funds were used for camera wiring at one facility.

Two (2) staff will attend the National PREA Coordinator Working Group's Conference July 23-25, 2024.

During the reporting period, the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) continued to be in a holding pattern to complete any work on grant deliverables. HCSO continues to be unable to fill the PREA Coordinator position and also has two other PREA positions vacant. This has left HCSO for nearly six months with no staffing with sufficient time dedicated to working towards PREA implementation or the grant deliverables.

The team discussed the current training contract and continued delays in the procurement process. The contract is under review by the County Comptroller; this was reported as the final step for approval. An email from TMG coach regarding timeliness for completion of goals was not responded to and the PREA Coordinator (PC) sent it to the Commissioner's office as notification.

The PRC'S PREA education videos (English, Spanish, closed captions) were added to all inmate tablets by Viapath. The PREA Compliance Manager (PCM) was trained in how to download videos on the tablets.

The PREA Investigation coordinated response plan was revised and disseminated.

In-person PREA staff training continues for newly hired employees. Computer-based refresher PREA training is offered to all staff annually.

The policy update is on hold to ensure all new procedures are included in the revision. The organizational chart is being updated.