Justice Systems

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.

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 Crime Victims Treatment Center developed and delivered the victim service provider training during this quarter. There were no other significant updates to the grant strategies.

During this reporting period, the camera system platform was identified, purchased and delivered. Agency and facility staff were trained in the utilization of the new system. The grantee developed a PREA peer education curriculum and all of the materials needed for the peer education program. It cannot be implemented until a PREA Specialist is hired. The agency is in the purchasing phase for the camera system platform. The job description for the PREA Accountability position is complete and was posted.

During this reporting period, the camera system platform was identified, purchased and delivered. Agency and facility staff were trained in the utilization of the new system. The grantee developed a PREA peer education curriculum and all of the materials needed for the peer education program. It cannot be implemented until a PREA Specialist is hired. The agency is in the purchasing phase for the camera system platform. The job description for the PREA Accountability position was completed and was posted.

During this reporting period, Colorado Department of Corrections closed out their grant. By the end of the grant, CDOC purchased and installed additional cameras and multiplexers to improve video storage capacity and enhance monitoring of staff and incarcerated persons. This upgrade supported timely investigations by retaining footage for a longer period. CODOC acknowledged there was a gap in acquiring video footage as part of a PREA investigation. By upgrading the camera and recording system, CODOC was able to complete more thorough investigations using video footage.

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, Henderson County closed out their grant. By the end of the grant, HCDC's PC and TMG's coach developed a plan to accomplish the grant goals. The plan included working with the Jailer and finance department to understand the benefits of using grant funds to improve sexual safety. HCDC's PC learned about the requirements of the PREA Standards through PREA Resource Center (PRC) trainings and webinars, reviewing information and available resources on the PRC website, participating in coaching calls, and completing a PREA investigator's training.

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.