Persons with Mental Illnesses

During this reporting period, a virtual coaching session did not occur in October or December, but the coaches and PC corresponded regarding the FITA request CO DOC submitted. The request was referred to the TMG coaching team and a consultant for review. The administrative investigations template was reviewed by the consultant and Jennifer Sheahan. The review of the investigation template was sent to the PC with the option for discussion if needed. The PC reported their administration decided against the investigative training.

During this reporting period, the PREA Coordinator (PC) has been assigned other duties, leaving insufficient time for all the duties associated with PREA. The PREA Compliance Manager (PCM) has also been assigned other duties, leaving insufficient time for all the duties associated with PREA. The PC met with agency leadership, but no definitive plan for enhancing existing PREA compliance strategies was developed. During their meeting, facility leadership noted receipt of emails from the coaches, but no further action was taken.

During this reporting period, the cable installation was near completion for the new cameras. FY20 funds are being expended and may be amended to include PREA training, and other PREA materials.

During this reporting period, PREA signage was updated and posted throughout the facility. PREA inmate brochures were developed and printed. The PREA brochure was added to inmate intake bags to provide information on PREA zero tolerance, inmate's rights, and reporting access. The quad-fold folders are English on one side and Spanish on the other. The coaches continued to help develop the staffing plans for the jail and work annex and it is near completion.

During this review period, NYC DOC, the Special Considerations Unit (SCU) unit and proper housing for LGBTI inmates was discussed. PREA audits were discussed. There are 7 total facilities; the agency would have to do 3 facilities by August 2025, to satisfy the 1/3 of facilities audited each year. A discussion about finding an audit and developing an RFP was had. The agency contact will draft an RFP. An example of a contract was provided along with information to submit the audit RFP to the PRC to send out to all DOJ certified auditors.

During this reporting period JDI coaches met with the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (PRDCR). The agency lost their federal grant consultant who was one of the coaches main contacts for this project. Nonetheless, the PREA Coordinator has made some progress on the project goals, including the purchasing of cameras, grievance boxes and educational materials. They are also working with a training company to finalize a contract for staff training modules on various subjects including sexual victimization, communication and boundaries, culture and conflict.

During this reporting period the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) continued work on PREA implementation at their facilities. NHDOC PREA staff were focused on a PREA audit of several of their facilities that occurred in early June for which they were given a corrective action plan. During this reporting period NHDOC implemented their PREA staff training as well as their staff refresher training.

The grant for Los Angeles County Probation Department was closed during this reporting period in September 2023. In this reporting period, the Los Angeles County Probation Department (LACPD) has continued to wrap up the final pieces of their grant. During this reporting period LACPD printed several materials, including brochures and PREA education signs, to ensure they have enough stock to carry them through after the grant period ends.

Cases responded to and closed during the reporting period July - December 2023 were 374

Advanced technical assistance was provided by Impact Justice Partners at Just Detention International (JDI) to Tarrant County Sheriff's office in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas on Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response.