U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), in partnership with Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), continues his bipartisan efforts to improve safety and security in federal prisons.
The two Senators, who serve as Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Human Rights Subcommittee, recently introduced the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, aimed at addressing the issue of inmate-on-staff sexual assault in Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities.
The bill would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a comprehensive review of sexual harassment and assault incidents involving prison staff and then report its findings to Congress. The DOJ would also be tasked with establishing a national standard to prevent and reduce sexual abuse in federal prisons.
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A February 2023 report from the DOJ’s Office of the Inspector General revealed that 40% of surveyed BOP staff reported experiencing sexual harassment by inmates.
“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,” Sen. Ossoff said.
“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.
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The lawmakers sent a letter to BOP Director Colette Peters requesting information on reporting procedures, corrective methods, and staff support programs related to inmate-on-staff sexual misconduct.
The legislation has also garnered support from Brandy Moore White, National President of the Council of Prison Locals 33, who expressed her backing in a letter.
“I stand in full support of the proposed Sexual Harassment Legislation aimed at protecting Bureau of Prisons staff from harassment and ensuring a safe working environment. It is imperative that every employee, regardless of their workplace, feels secure and respected. This legislation is a crucial step towards achieving this goal within the Bureau of Prisons,” said Brandy Moore White, National President of Council of Prison Locals 33. “As the President of our Council, I would like to thank Senators Blackburn and Ossoff for their support and concern for our staff. I urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this legislation. Let us ensure that every person who works within the Bureau of Prisons can do so without fear of harassment or intimidation. Together, we can uphold the principles of dignity and justice that are at the core of our nation’s values.”
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Senator Ossoff’s commitment to prison safety is part of a larger effort to reform the federal prison system.
He and Senator Blackburn recently launched a bipartisan inquiry into reports of inmate-on-staff sexual assault. Ossoff has also introduced several other bipartisan bills, including the Female Officers Ballistic Protection Act and the Federal Prison Oversight Act, aimed at improving safety and oversight in federal prisons.
In addition, Senator Ossoff continues to push for measures to combat contraband in prisons, including the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, introduced earlier this year to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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