The Lewis County Jail is making an effort to eliminate rape in its facility by accepting federal policies.
Since the federally mandated Prison Rape Elimination Act was passed in 2003, the Lewis County Jail has implemented various policies and practices.
Three rapes have been confirmed at the jail since Jan. 1, 2013.
Lewis County Jail Administrator Kevin Hanson said the jail has worked toward compliance in recent years by adding shower curtains in the common shower areas and having corrections officers announce their presence when entering a living unit of an inmate of the opposite sex. In addition, inmates can call a prison rape hotline and leave a message with a corrections officer to investigate.
“Our goal is to make sure no one is worse off when they leave here than when they came in,” Hanson said.
The Lewis County Commission on Monday approved changes to the Department of Corrections’ prisoner housing contract with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
The changes mandate compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act, which is aimed at curbing prison rape through a zero-tolerance policy, research and information gathering, according to Hanson.
Part of the compliance for the Lewis County Jail is to pass a Prison Rape Elimination Audit. The audit, conducted by Department of Justice-certified private contractors, is extensive and includes a review of policies and practices.
Hanson said the audit is expected to cost about $3,000 and will begin by the end of the year.
“We are in the final stages of compliance. We are ahead of the gun. I think that we are a half-step ahead (of other jails),” Hanson said.
The Lewis County Jail already conducted a pre-audit, Hanson said, which drew representatives from about 20 other jails in the region to learn what is expected.
Hanson said the jail has received more complaints from inmates since implementing the new policies, but most were investigated and unfounded.
Overall, Hanson said, rape is not common in the jail since the average stay is about nine days and inmates are properly classified.
“I can’t say I’ve seen an increase or decrease. It happens occasionally,” Hanson said. “Most of the time it’s consensual, especially with the women.”
