The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2003 to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse that occurs in confinement settings. The National Prison Rape Elimination Act Commission developed national standards for reducing prison rape, which became final on June 20, 2012, when they were published by the Department of Justice (DOJ). PREA applies to adult prisons and jails (LPCC), juvenile confinement facilities, lockups and community confinement facilities (TWP).
PREA Brochure:
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The prevention of rape, sexual assault, or sexual misconduct is a top priority for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. LPSO has a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse. It is the policy of the LPSO to provide a safe, humane and appropriately secure environment, free from threat of harassment, sexual abuse and sexual misconduct for all employees, volunteers, contractors, and inmates/offenders. Violation of the LPSO’s zero-tolerance policy could result in disciplinary action, criminal investigation, and/or referral to licensing bodies and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
Offenders housed at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex and Transitional Work Program may confidentially disclose and report incidents of sexual abuse or harassment to any staff member or volunteer either verbally or in writing. They can also call the PREA hotline from any offender telephone without charge, and confidentially. Incidents of sexual abuse or sexual harassment can also be reported to The Haven’s community crisis counselors at 1-800-777-8868. Family members or other members of the public can also report information to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-743-7433.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office completes annual reviews of incidents at both correctional facilities and data compiled from all available incident-based documents including reports, investigation files, and sexual abuse incidents is maintained on the Agency’s website for ten years. Only the aggregate numbers will be reported annually on the LPSO website. Information reported will not be indicative of the facility, the victim, or the aggressor. Anonymity will ensure the integrity of the process and encourage the reporting of all PREA allegations in the future.
The Transitional Work Program had its first federal PREA audit in July 2022. Once a correctional facility is audited, it is revisited every three years by a PREA-certified auditor with the Department of Justice. PREA Standard 115.403(f) states “The agency shall ensure the auditor’s final report is published on the agency’s website if it has one, or is otherwise made readily available to the public”. Final reports will be posted on the LPSO website under the appropriate facility’s section when made available to the Agency.