Facilities (General Capacity/Security)

During this reporting period, the agency conducted a review and revision of the PREA manual and the LGBTQ policy. PREA trainings have been reviewed and approved by the legal department. Since the PREA Coordinator is new to their role, they continue to increase their PREA knowledge and is working on completing the staffing plan. The grantee is gathering information and quotes for a camera upgrade. They are considering submitting a GAM to change budget and program activities.

During this reporting period, Kentucky Department of Corrections closed out their grant. By the end of the award, KY DOC secured a vendor to conduct a camera placement assessment and complete the system installation. The Department reviewed vendor quotes to determine the need for a phased approach to coordinate grant versus match funding. All equipment was ordered, and cables were installed around the facility. The PREA Coordinator worked with the vendor to ensure appropriate barriers, redaction, or pixelation was used in toilet and shower areas.

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, 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.