In an effort to address the growing problem of sexual assault and harassment against prison staff, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is supporting the bipartisan Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act. The legislation aims to protect Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees from the increasingly pervasive threats posed by inmates.
According to reports, from 2019 to 2023, approximately 1,600 female staff members were assaulted by inmates at Thomson Federal Prison, located just across the Iowa border in Illinois.
“Federal prison workers play a vital role in our justice system and in keeping our communities safe,” said Ernst. “They deserve to have a workplace that is free from harassment. Through this legislation, I’m working to protect correctional staff and allow them to do their important jobs.”
RELATED: Tennessee And Georgia Senators Intro Bipartisan Bill To Combat Sexual Assault Of Prison Staff
The proposed legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), calls for comprehensive action to tackle the issue. It requires the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General to conduct a full statistical review and analysis of sexual harassment and assault incidents perpetrated by federal inmates against prison staff, including cases at Thomson Federal Prison.
The bill also mandates that the U.S. Attorney General report the Inspector General’s findings to Congress and establish national standards for the prevention, reduction, and punishment of sexual harassment and assault against correctional officers by inmates.
“We thank Senator Ernst for joining Senator Blackburn in leading the charge to protect correctional officers from harassment and assault by inmates. This bill represents an important first step, and we look forward to working with them on this and future legislation to ensure a safer workplace for all our members,” said Jon Zumkehr, President of the BOP Employees Union Local 4070, which represents correctional officers.
With bipartisan support and a focus on ensuring the safety of correctional staff, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act aims to create a safer working environment for those who serve on the frontlines of the nation’s federal prisons.
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