Nevada Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

The Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Assistance (DPS-OCJA) will use Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Reallocation award to sub-award the funds to the Nevada Department of Corrections (DOC) for use in the efforts to maintain compliance with PREA.   Education, information, communication are all integral elements to establishing a safe, effective PREA compliant program. 

In 2025, Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) is preparing for the re-opening of the Warm Springs Correctional Center (WSCC) in Carson City, Nevada. When reopened, that facility will house up to 600 medium custody male offenders. Nevada’s 81st Legislative Session in 2021 shuttered this facility and NDOC is requesting funding to facilitate a much-needed internal audit once the site re-opens. The audit will include a review of the institution's surveillance technology and other technological gaps. Funds will be used to audit the site and provide for any critically necessary surveillance technology to address Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) concerns and areas with blind spots.

The recent transfer of over 1,400 offenders between High Desert State Prison (HDSP) and Ely State Prison (ESP) warrants an internal audit of both facilities. HDSP is scheduled for a National Audit in Spring of 2025, ESP is not scheduled until Summer of 2026. An internal audit of ESP would provide an opportunity to assess and address any operational issues, ensuring that the facility meets the required standards.

Conducting the audit well in advance would allow ample time for corrective measures, leading to a more favorable outcome during the National Audit. This proactive approach will demonstrate the agency's commitment to maintaining high standards of operation and offender welfare.

Funds will also be used for Personnel Costs of the PREA Coordinator/designee and two (2) designated staff to develop and instruct training for PREA Compliance Managers (PCMs) statewide. In addition, NDOC plans to utilize technology and surveillance equipment that will support a high level of organization and documentation for investigations. The equipment will also provide an extra layer of protection to the inmates.