Incarcerated Individuals

Essex County closed out their grant during this reporting period. By the end of the grant, Essex County established a permanent state-level position for a mental health clinician. The county tried multiples measures to solicit and hire for this position, including advertising through the existing contract medical provider and the local rape crisis center. Unfortunately, perhaps due to COVID or the impermanence of the position, they continued to encounter barriers to hiring.

Cases responded to and closed during the reporting period July - December 2024 were 409.

During the reporting period, the Washington Department of Corrections (WADOC) continued to work towards their goals under their FY 22 grant. Two positions that play a major role under this grant, the Gender Responsive Administrator and the Transgender Housing and Program Manager, were successfully filled with new full time staff members. The coaches are hopeful that with new staff in place to make housing determinations for the transgender population will meaningfully consider transfers to gender-affirming institutions.

During this reporting period, Muscogee County Jail decided to change the food flap goal to cameras, JMS and supporting technology, and a PREA investigations conference. The volunteer and contractor PREA training was scheduled. Religious volunteers and social service providers were PREA trained October 9, 2024. The PREA Coordinator (PC) scheduled medical, mental health, and food services staff for PREA training in November 2024. Officers who missed in-service training are scheduled to be trained in November and December 2024.

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.