What is PREA?
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is federal law that went into effect in September of 2003 and prohibits sexual misconduct in correctional settings such as prisons, jails, lock–ups, juvenile facilities and Immigration Services/ICE detention facilities.
Misconduct under this law includes...
- Offender-on-offender sexual assault and abuse
- Staff-on-offender sexual misconduct (sexual/inappropriate relationships with offenders)
- Offender-on-offender and staff-on-offender sexual harassment
The Olympia Police Department (OPD) has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct of any kind and will impose discipline for such misconduct, up to and including dismissal for staff and serious infractions for offenders who victimize other offenders. Incidents of sexual misconduct will also be referred to law enforcement when applicable.
OPD policies regarding sexual misconduct apply to all offenders. They also apply to employees, contractors, and volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How would I know if my family member/ friend is being threatened/ victimized?
A victim may:
- Have trouble sleeping
- Suffer a loss of appetite
- Experience stomachaches and/or headaches
- Display anger or rage
- Seem unusually anxious
- Express concern about their safety
- Seem unusually detached or withdrawn
- Have episodes of crying or shaking
- Not care about their personal hygiene
There are many ways to help someone who has been a victim of sexual misconduct including:
- Don’t be judgmental
- Listen; be supportive and patient
- Encourage them to report the abuse
IMPORTANT: Having a family member or friend who has been the victim of sexual misconduct can be very upsetting. For this reason, it is also import to take care of yourself.
YES. Please use any of the methods below to report.
Yes. All staff, volunteers and contractors receive training in the awareness and reporting of sexual misconduct.
Yes. All victims will be provided with medical and mental health care.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
The Olympia Police Department takes every report of sexual misconduct seriously and will thoroughly, promptly and objectively investigate all allegations. We treat every investigation in a confidential and professional manner.
If you have information regarding an offender who has been the victim of sexual misconduct while in OPD custody you may:
- Contact a sergeant or the Jail Manager
- Call the Safeplace Hotline at 360.754.6300
- Email the OPD PREA Coordinator at jstiner@ci.olympia.wa.us
- Write a letter to:
Olympia Police Department
Attn: PREA Coordinator
P.O. Box 1967
Olympia, WA 98507
Please provide the following details when reporting...
- The name and location of person(s) involved
- The name or description of any witness(es)
- A brief description of the incident including when/where it occurred and what happened
- Names and phone numbers of anyone else who may have information about what happened
- Your name and phone number (optional)
The Olympia Police Department has zero tolerance for all forms of retaliation against any person because of his/her involvement in the reporting or investigation of a PREA claim.
Additional Resources