NCJ Number
176020
Date Published
1996
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This report examines sexual interaction between correctional staff and inmates.
Abstract
Departments of Corrections in 47 States, the District of Columbia, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Canada, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam completed surveys regarding sexual interaction between correctional staff and inmates. More than half of the State legislatures have passed laws either defining sexual misconduct as a criminal offense or increasing the penalties for the offense. While the deterrence and eradication of sexual misconduct is primarily an issue of staff and inmate management, it has the potential to lead to litigation if not addressed. Elements of a comprehensive approach to preventing sexual misconduct include appropriate policies specifically prohibiting sexual misconduct; staff training on sexual misconduct; and inmate education on sexual misconduct. A proactive stance toward sexual misconduct is warranted, given the sensitivity of the issue and its potential to weaken both staff and inmate management and morale. Tables, notes