Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) have introduced the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, aimed at curbing the rising number of sexual assaults and harassment incidents against federal prison staff by inmates.
A February 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) revealed troubling findings: 40% of 7,000 surveyed Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) staff reported being sexually harassed or assaulted by inmates.
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“It is unacceptable that nearly half of Bureau of Prisons staff experience sexual harassment or assault by inmates. The Bureau of Prisons must do more to ensure the safety of corrections officers and to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “The Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act will provide oversight to the federal prison system and fight these abuses.”
“Federal correctional officers and other prison staff have very difficult jobs, and we must do all we can to help keep them safe,” said Rep. Hank Johnson. “A recent report has shown unacceptable levels of sexual harassment and assault of Bureau of Prisons correctional officers, particularly female officers. Requiring the DOJ to conduct a comprehensive review and take concrete steps to reduce, prevent and punish sexual assault against BOP corrections officers is a good first step. I’m pleased to co-lead this effort with Sen. Ossoff and Congresswoman Lee and look forward to addressing this critical problem.”
Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate, underscoring bipartisan support for the initiative.
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“Last year, nearly half of surveyed Bureau of Prisons staff stated they had been sexually harassed or assaulted by an inmate. This statistic is appalling and unacceptable. No federal employee or law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work, and the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would be an important step forward in ending sexual abuse of prison staff who are simply trying to do their jobs,” said Senator Blackburn.
“I remain focused on oversight of the Federal prison system and ending sexual abuse in prisons and jails, including the abuse of prison staff. Senator Blackburn and I are introducing this bipartisan bill to help end sexual abuse in Federal prisons,” said Senator Ossoff.
“Federal correctional officers and other prison staff deserve the same standards of safety as law enforcement patrolling our communities. The staggering number of documented sexual assault incidents highlights the dangerous environment in which our officers and other staff operate. They deserve a safe working environment free from violence and abuse. This legislation would require the Inspector General to conduct reviews and analysis into cases of sexual harassment that we believe will lead to rule changes that will hold inmates accountable and safeguard the basic human rights and dignity of prison employees,” said Fraternal Order of Police President Patrick Yoes.
Key Provisions of the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act:
- Comprehensive Review: Requires the DOJ OIG to conduct a detailed statistical analysis of sexual harassment and assault incidents against BOP staff by inmates.
- Congressional Reporting: Mandates the U.S. Attorney General to report the findings of the Inspector General’s review to Congress.
- National Standards: Directs the U.S. Attorney General to establish national standards for preventing, reducing, and punishing sexual assault and harassment of BOP staff by inmates.
The bill represents a bipartisan effort to address the serious issue of sexual violence against prison staff, aiming to ensure safer working conditions and greater accountability within the federal prison system.
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