U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) have reintroduced the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at curbing rampant sexual harassment and assault of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees by inmates.
The bill, which previously passed the Senate last year, seeks to improve oversight, enforce stricter punishments, and implement stronger protective measures for correctional officers and other prison staff facing widespread abuse while on duty.
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“No law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would help us end the sexual abuse of prison staff who are simply trying to do their jobs.”
Senator Ossoff, who has focused on prison oversight during his tenure, emphasized the urgent need for reforms.
“I remain focused on oversight of the Federal prison system and ending sexual abuse in prisons and jails, including the abuse of prison staff,” Ossoff stated. “Senator Blackburn and I are introducing this bipartisan bill to help end sexual abuse in Federal prisons.”
A February 2023 report from the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) revealed that 40% of 7,000 surveyed BOP employees reported experiencing sexual harassment or assault by an inmate.
Representative Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), who introduced the House version of the bill last session and is reintroducing it this week, stressed the need for greater accountability.
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“It is unacceptable that nearly half of Bureau of Prisons staff experience sexual harassment or assault by inmates,” Lee said. “The Bureau of Prisons must take stronger action to protect corrections officers and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The proposed legislation would require:
- The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to fully implement the DOJ OIG’s 2023 recommendations to address and mitigate inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and assault.
- The DOJ OIG to conduct an analysis of the punishments currently imposed on inmates found guilty of sexually harassing or assaulting prison staff.
- The U.S. Attorney General to establish national standards for preventing, reducing, and punishing sexual assault and harassment of BOP employees by inmates.
Additionally, Senators Blackburn and Ossoff have formally requested information from BOP Director Colette Peters regarding the current reporting procedures, correctional methods, and available support programs for affected staff.
The bill has garnered widespread support from major law enforcement and corrections groups, including:
- The American Correctional Association (ACA)
- The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
- The National Council of Prison Locals 33 (NCPL33)
Robert Green, Executive Director of the ACA, emphasized the need for stronger protections for prison staff.
“We applaud Senators Blackburn and Ossoff for their leadership on this critical issue,” Green stated. “We look forward to working with Congress to ensure safe working conditions for correctional officers nationwide.”
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Patrick Yoes, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, stressed that federal correctional officers deserve the same protections as other law enforcement officials.
“Every employee—both officer and staff—deserves a safe working environment,” Yoes said. “The passage of this legislation would ensure Bureau of Prisons employees can perform their duties free from fear.”
With bipartisan backing and endorsements from major correctional organizations, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act is expected to gain strong support in both chambers of Congress.
Supporters of the legislation urge Congress to swiftly pass the bill to ensure greater accountability and protection for federal prison employees.
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