Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
Reporting Sexual Abuse
The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA)
The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) prohibits and seeks to eliminate sexual abuse and sexual harassment in correctional facilities. Congress enacted PREA to address the problem of sexual abuse of persons in the custody of U.S. confinement agencies. PREA calls for federal, state, and local agencies to have a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse and sexual harassment (as defined by PREA) in prisons, jails, police lockups, and other confinement facilities. The Act applies to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders and to community-based correctional agencies.
Purpose of PREA
The purpose of PREA is to provide for the analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape in federal, state and local institutions and to provide information, resources and recommendations to protect individuals from prison rape.
When addressing the problem of sexual abuse and sexual harassment, it is important to be aware of the prevalence of the racial disparities within our criminal justice system and to be able to identify those who are most likely to become a victim of sexual assault in prison (young offenders, those perceived to be weak/less likely to report or fight back, LGBTIQ, mentally ill and those with a prior history of trauma).
Victims of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in confinement suffer the same trauma as individuals assaulted in the community, however, due to the unique dynamics of a prison/jail setting, historically have not have the same access to reporting, resources and support. The Prison Rape Elimination Act helps identify and address these deficits.
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Zero Tolerance Policy
FCSO mandates zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in Fulton County Jail and all its annexes. It is the policy of FCSO to provide a safe, humane and secure environment free from threat of sexual abuse and sexual harassment for all inmates in custody by maintaining a program of prevention, detection and response. FCSO has an aggressive and effective process to comply with all regulations when a FCSO operational subsidiary, business unit or program falls within the scope of the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) and the DOJ National Standards To Prevent, Detect, and Respond To Prison Rape (Final Rule, dated, June 2012) or Subpart A of the DHS Standards to Prevent, Detect and Respond to Sexual Abuse and Assault in Confinement Facilities (79 Fed. Reg. 13100 dated March 7, 2014), FCSO will comply with these regulations as required.
Inmate Classification and Housing
All inmates will receive a comprehensive evaluation during initial intake to identify risk factors associated with sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
Classification of victims or abusers of sexual assault or sexual harassment will be closely monitored and all movements will be coordinated across departments to prevent repeated incidents.
How to Report Allegations of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment of Someone in Fulton County Jail or any of its Annexes
To report an allegation of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment on behalf of an individual who is or was housed in Fulton County Jail or any of its annexes, or if you were previously housed in Fulton County Jail or any of its annexes and need to report an allegation of sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment, you may contact the Chief Jailer’s Office. Please see our Locations page for each facility’s contact information. Reports can be made over the phone, in person, in writing or anonymously if desired. You can also contact our Agency PREA Coordinator directly (see contact information below).
It is critical that you provide as many details as possible to help us investigate the allegation:
- The name(s) and location(s) of alleged persons involved;
- Individual’s register/booking number (if known);
- Date, time and location of where the alleged incident occurred;
- The names of any witnesses to the alleged incident;
- A brief description of the alleged incident;
- Your contact phone number and address if you wish to do so
Employee Reporting Options
FCSO Employees may report Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment information to their supervisors or any facility management staff member. They may also report Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment directly to the Employee Whistleblower Hotline (844) 784-7401, which is a professional service, available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, on the Internet at www.fultoncountyga.ethicspoint.com or through the Department of Diversity and Civil Rights Compliance (DCRC) portal https://fultoncountyga.isight.com/portal.
Investigations
All cases of alleged sexual misconduct shall be promptly, thoroughly, and objectively investigated. Upon substantiation of any allegation of sexual misconduct, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against the employee, contractor, volunteer, intern, or individual in Fulton County Jail or any of its annexes. If the allegation potentially involves criminal behavior, FCSO may refer allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment for criminal prosecution.
Documents and Resources
FCSO PREA Program Questions
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office PREA Coordinator
Fulton County Jail901 Rice Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 613-2251