In September 2003, Congress enacted the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The purpose of the act is to establish a zero-tolerance standard regarding sexual abuse and sexual harassment of offenders within a correctional setting. PREA applies to all federal, state and local prisons, jails, lockups, private institutions and community residential facilities. PREA addresses all types of sexual misconduct in which an offender is the victim, including abuse by fellow offenders as well as sexual misconduct committed by staff.
Sexual abuse and sexual harassment in correctional institutions affects offenders, staff and even the public.
The act established a national panel to develop a set of national standards and required the U.S. Attorney General to review and publish a final set of PREA Standards.
The Minnehaha County Jail has enacted policies to establish a zero-tolerance of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in all of its facilities and to ensure that all allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment are referred for investigation.
PREA Coordinators
The Minnehaha County Jail has a designated PREA Coordinator. That person is charged with development, implementation, and oversight of the efforts to comply with the PREA standards. The PREA Coordinator is responsible for overseeing efforts to eliminate sexual abuse and sexual harassment in the Minnehaha County Jail.
In addition to the PREA Coordinators the Minnehaha County Jail also has a designated PREA Compliance Manager, who will have sufficient time and authority to coordinate the facilities compliance with the PREA standards.
Reporting Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment
All offenders have the right to be free of abuse while in the Minnehaha County Jail. The MCJ will cooperate in any criminal investigation and prosecution of anyone involved in a sexual abuse of an offender in a MCJ facility or placement. Due to the serious nature of sexual abuse, anyone knowledgeable of an offender-on-offender or staff-on-offender sexual abuse that occurs within MCJ is encouraged to immediately report the allegation so that action can be taken to ensure their safety. The MCJ will respond to all reports and steps will be taken to protect the victim.
In the event of eminent harm, phone numbers are provided for immediate action.
When an alleged criminal act is committed against a juvenile, the allegation is reported to both the Department of Social Services as a report of Abuse and Neglect and to Law Enforcement.
The Minnehaha County Jail investigates each and every allegation of sexual abuse or harassment. They will collaborate with Law Enforcement to determine if/when the case will be referred for prosecution. The identity of anyone making a report will remain confidential. All reports are investigated thoroughly and taken very seriously. The sharing of information pertaining to the alleged sexual abuse and identity of the victim will be limited to those who must know. Sharing information regarding the victim and/or incident shall be conducted in a manner that is in accordance with all applicable policies, state statutes, and professional licensure and ethics standards.
To report an incident of sexual abuse or harassment of an inmate, the public may use the following contact information:
MINNEHAHA COUNTY JAIL
Shift Supervisor
305 W. 4th St.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605)-367-4321
The Compass Center
1800 W 12th St # 100
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605)-339-0116
Annual Review of PREA Effectiveness
2014 PREA Report (DOJ)
2015 PREA Report (DOJ)
Minnehaha County Jail PREA Audit Results
2016 Minnehaha County Jail PREA Audit
2019 Minnehaha County Jail PREA Audit
2022 Minnehaha County Jail PREA Audit
