NYSDOCCS PREA Enhancement projects to further enhanced DOCCS' zero tolerance project through the provision victim-centered and trauma informed training and advanced sex crimes investigation.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and unauthorized relationships. To that end, DOCCS continues to consistently reevaluate and reimagine its approach to prevent, detect, and respond to these serious threats to safety and security. Providing training to staff is a key component to reducing sexual abuse in prisons.   Continuing with this effort, DOCCS proposes to collaborate with victim advocate groups to enhance our agency’s victim centered approach to be responsive to the needs of victims and their trauma. 

            The initiatives in this proposal will satisfy all five objectives outlined in the solicitation, the reduction of sexual abuse in facilities, increase staff capacity (ability) for preventing sexual abuse in facilities, the promotion of PREA standards into the day-to-day facility operations and cultures, identify and document innovative and promising practices in order to inform similar efforts across the nation and, most significantly, further reinforce DOCCS’ zero -tolerance stance of sexual abuse in its facilities. 

               To this end DOCCS is proposing Victim Advocate Training, OVS, SAPEO and OSI Joint Training, FETI Training, and the development and delivery of trauma-informed treatment services for LGBTIQ+ members as necessary to the Department mission of  assisting those in its population who are victims of sexual abuse and assault. 

               The Department is also proposing to expand ACISS licensure and Cellebrite training to provide technological support to improve DOCCS’ investigative activities and further the coordination and sharing of investigative information.

               When these activities are taken together,  DOCCS is confident that a climate can be produced where staff and incarcerated individuals are confident in DOCCS’ ability to help and protect those who are incarcerated which ultimately safeguards our incarcerated population and provides those victimized with the tools that will help them work through trauma and receive the critical services they may need.

            DOCCS is requesting $250,000 in Federal funding and $250,000 in State match funding for this BJA FY 2022 Implementing the PREA Standards, Protecting People Who Are Incarcerated, and Safeguarding Communities.