PREA standards in South Dakota

The South Dakota Department of Corrections (SDDOC) adopted a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse and sexual harassment of offenders under its jurisdiction. It is the policy of the SDDOC to provide a coordinated victim-centered response to reports of sexual assault. This includes providing medical and behavioral health counseling to victims of sexual assault/rape, sexual harassment and fully investigating and aggressively prosecuting those who are involved in such conduct. The SDDOC trains all employees, contract workers, and volunteers to recognize sexual assault/rape, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment and how to take appropriate actions. The Office of the Inspector General for the SDDOC employs a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Agency Coordinator who oversee the agency’s compliance with outlined standards. It is the goal of the SDDOC to ensure all SDDOC correctional facilities operate consistent with PREA standards. To accomplish this goal, the SDDOC will allocate funds consistent with the requirements of preventing and responding to sexual abuse and sexual harassment in confinement facilities; training staff and educating inmates/residents/detainees; investigating allegations of sexual victimization; and collecting and reviewing data related to sexual victimization. Utilizing funding in this manner will increase staff and offender training, awareness, and accessibility regarding standards and policies. Progress will be measured by the SDDOC PREA Agency Coordinator to best assist the SDDOC with being fully compliant in future years.