Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed unanimously by both parties in Congress in 2003. The purpose of the act is to “provide for the analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape in federal, state, and local institutions and to provide information, resources, recommendations and funding to protect individuals from prison rape.” (Prison Rape Elimination Act, 2003.) In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) finalized national PREA Standards. Washington County Detention Center (WCDC) is committed to adhering to the PREA standards to prevent, detect and respond to all incidents of sexual abuse and sexual harassment alleged to have occurred in our facility.

The Washington County Detention Center is responsible for protecting the rights of inmates and offenders placed in the Department’s custody. This includes providing inmates with a safe environment, free from sexual abuse, sexual battery and sexual harassment. The Washington County Detention Cener maintains a policy of zero-tolerance toward all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Administrative Rule 0413: Prison Rape Elimination Act (P.R.E.A.) and Secretarial Directive 2026-01: Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) clearly outline departmental policies and procedures that address prohibiting, preventing, detecting, and responding to allegations of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct of detainees in WCDC’s custody. They also encompass a detainee’s right to be free from retaliation if they report an incident or participate in an investigation.

All allegations of sexual abuse are taken seriously. The Washington County Detention Center accepts all reports of sexual abuse or sexual harassment whether made verbally, in writing, anonymously, or from third parties. All allegations will be thoroughly investigated by a PREA Investigator assigned by the PREA Coordinator. There is no time limit on when an incident of sexual abuse or sexual harassment can be reported.

PREA Reporting

If you wish to report an alleged incident of sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual misconduct or sexual harassment on behalf of an offender you may:

Report by mail:

Washington County Detention Center ATTN: PREA Coordinator
1155 West Clydesdale Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72701

-Or-

Report by e-mail:

PREA@WashCoSOAR.gov

(Information needed: Complainant’s full name, number, email address. Detainee victim’s name, detainee perpetrator name, date of incident, location of incident, incident details)

Reporting parties please note the following:

The allegation may be discussed with the victim named in the report
The allegation will be disclosed only to those who need to know to ensure victim safety and to investigate the allegation
Please include as much information as is known about the victims, suspects, date, location and details of the incident.