Kintock is pleased to announce that its Bridgeton, New Jersey facility has successfully passed the company’s first PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) audit, achiev-ing 100% compliance on all applicable standards.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) is the first United States federal law passed dealing with the sexual assault of prisoners. The bill was signed into law on September 4, 2003. PREA calls for Federal, State, and local corrections systems to have a zero-tolerance policy regarding prison rape (as defined by PREA) in prisons, jails, police lock-ups, and other confinement facilities. According to the PREA Act, all confinement facilities must be audited at least every three years to remain compliant with the Federal Law.

The audit, which took place between February 24th and 26th, was conducted by a Certified Department of Justice PREA Auditor, who submitted his findings and recommendations to the Department of Justice.  The Bridgeton programs were evaluated for compliance with thirty-nine PREA Standards applicable to community confinement facilities.

“The audits are conducted over three phases, the pre-audit, audit, and corrective action plan.  It is extremely rare to not need to exercise the corrective action plan phase,” explained Nicola M. Cucinotta,Corporate Compliance Officer.

Kintock Exceeds Expectations

Kintock met all the applicable national PREA standards during the pre-audit and audit phases, thus there was no need for corrective action.

“Paul Taggines and the Bridgeton staff truly pioneered this effort, and with the cooperation of contractors and the facility’s volunteers, achieved an almost unheard of perfect PREA score,” noted Ms. Cucinotta.

“I am extremely proud that our Bridgeton site has exceeded the PREA standards determined by the Department of Justice. This distinction is especially noteworthy considering that this represents the first time Kintock has participated in the PREA audit process,” said Diane DeBarri, Chairman and CEO of Kintock.

Kintock is committed to maintaining safe facilities. As part of this commitment, Kintock has implemented procedures across the organization to reinforce the company’s zero tolerance policy toward sexual abuse and sexual assault. To meet that goal, Kintock, has expanded its mandatory employee prevention training requirements.

Extensive PREA Training

Kintock’s extensive training program and instruction is designed to ensure that all facility staff, residents, volunteers, and contractors are proficient with the National PREA standards and language.  Training educates employees on how to identify potential victims and perpetrators and teaches appropriate responses and reporting procedures.

However, “training covers much more than prisonsexual assault; it includes sensitivity training to address a range of behaviors, including sexual abuse and sexual harassment,” explained Deborah Oree, Corporate Director of Training.

“Our efforts have led to a heightened awareness among staff concerning issues pertaining to sexual assault and abuse. This in turn reinforces our commitment to a corporate culture that embraces PREA standards, ” added Ms. Oree.

In addition to PREA training, residents are provided with 

PREA information pamphlets upon admittance.  Throughout each facility, Kintock posts emergency contact information for outside victim advocacy groups that residents may contact anonymously.  Kintock also maintains an electronic reporting mechanism on its website that allows a third-party to report a PREA violation.