Incarcerated Individuals

During this reporting period, the agency's revised implementation plan (IP) was completed and turned in to BJA during this reporting period. The IP was approved on May 11, 2023. The new camera wiring quote was received and submitted for approval. New servers were ordered and pending delivery. An operating system for the cameras was not identified and selected during this reporting period. There are compatibility issues that need to be addressed before the cameras can be ordered. Different cameras are needed for each operating system being considered.

During this reporting period, weekly coaching meetings with the PREA Coordinator continued. The team discussed beginning PREA standards training for the PC. The team will take two or three PREA standards each meeting and discuss how it applies to HCDC, and how to implement it at that facility. The team discussed the PC attending NIC's PREA Coordinator's Roles & Responsibilities training upon completion of investigator training. The team also discussed the need to have an organizational chart indicate the PC has direct access to HCDC chief administrator regarding PREA matters.

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, the agency reported that inmate sewing classes were held to adequately train inmates to sew shower curtains and other items required for use in the jail. Shower curtains have not been produced yet because safety and security concerns for the sewing sessions still need to be resolved. The PREA Coordinator advised that the purchase of the laptop was still pending. Once this purchase is encumbered, she can close out the grant as complete. The grant-funded attendance at the American Jail Association conference was also completed during this reporting period.

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 reporting period, The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO) continues to be in the planning stage. The assigned coach from Activating change is now referring to Kenneth Lawson, the site's grants manager, as the main contact. He and the PREA Compliance Manager, Deputy Brianeka Faggin, are the team in New Orleans who regularly engage with Activating Change and the project. During this quarter, Deputy Faggin applied for the PREA Coordinator position, which was posted in the previous quarter.

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, the agency completed the remaining of their PREA Audits in their 9 institutions. In April 2023, the agency PREA Coordinator reported that the Survivor Awareness Group Education (SAGE) will be expanding into 5 of the 6 facilities. The 6th facility (Limestone Facility) will be delayed in its implementation of SAGE, due to the Alabama Coalition Against Rape (ACAR) lack of available facilitators in the location. In May 2023, the agency PREA Coordinator reported that all other grant goals had been completed, except for full SAGE Program implementation.