The Prison Rape Elimination Act (“PREA”) was signed into federal law in 2003. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice finalized national PREA Standards. The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) is committed to adhering to the PREA standards in order to continue to prevent, detect, and respond to all incidents of sexual abuse and sexual harassment alleged to have occurred in the facility.
The NCSO has zero tolerance of offender sexual abuse and sexual harassment and accepts all reports of sexual abuse and sexual harassment whether made verbally, in writing, anonymously, or from third parties. There is no time limit on when an incident of sexual abuse or sexual harassment can be reported.
Every allegation of offender sexual abuse and sexual harassment is thoroughly investigated by the NCSO. Where warranted by evidence, proportional sanctions up to and including criminal prosecution are implemented.
When a substantiated allegation of offender sexual abuse or sexual harassment appears to be criminal in nature, the NCSO shall refer the case to an outside investigative agency that has the legal authority to conduct a criminal investigation, such as the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. The NCSO shall cooperate fully in this investigation and monitor its progress.
To report incidents of sexual abuse or sexual harassment, please contact Patrick Harris, NCSO PREA Compliance Manager at: prea@NorfolkSheriffMA.org.
2021 PREA Audit Report
2021 PREA Annual Report
2018 PREA Audit Report
2018 PREA Annual Report
