Sheriff's Office

PREA Intent, Purpose & Background

PREA was established in 2003 to address the problem of sexual abuse and sexual harassment of persons in the custody of U.S. correctional agencies. Major provisions of PREA include the development of standards for detection, prevention, reduction and punishment of prison rape. The Act applies to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders and is also relevant to community-based agencies. The Kittitas County Corrections Center has adopted a zero tolerance policy on issues pertaining to sexual abuse and sexual harassment involving inmates and is working continuously to implement new policies, training requirements for staff, inmates, contractors and volunteers, and developing standards for detection, prevention, reduction and punishment of prison rape.

Kittitas County Corrections Center Policy #612 - Prison Rape Elimination Act

Reporting and Findings

Below is a chart showing the amount of PREA investigations initiated and completed by our department. They are broken down by type of incident (Inmate v. Inmate or Staff v. Inmate) and the outcome of the investigation. The definitions for the investigation findings are:

  • Unfounded: The allegation is false, not factual, or there is insufficient factual evidence either to prove or disprove the allegations.
  • Sustained: The allegation is supported by sufficient factual evidence.

2016

Inmate v. Inmate Staff v. Inmate
Investigations Completed 2 3
Unfounded 1 3
Sustained 1 0
*** There were also 3 investigations that were forward to the appropriate outside entities based on allegations made by the Inmates.

2015

Inmate v. Inmate Staff v. Inmate
Investigations Completed 5 4
Unfounded 5 4
Sustained 0 0
*** There were also 4 investigations that were forward to the appropriate outside entities based on allegations made by the Inmates.

2014

Inmate v. Inmate Staff v. Inmate
Investigations Completed 5 4
Unfounded 4 4
Sustained 1 0