FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS TO IMPLEMENT REVISIONS TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS TO

ADDRESS SEXUAL ASSAULT

For
Dr. Catanzaro
Technical Report Writing
Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee

By
Shana Anthonio
Student / Advocate

July 3, 2014

Anthonio 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................................ii
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES...............................................................................................iii
ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................................iv
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
DATA SECTION.............................................................................................................................2
Key Factors in Implementing Changes in Juvenile Detention Facilities.....................................2
Understanding Juvenile Justice................................................................................................2
What is Sexual Assault............................................................................................................2
Sexual Assault within Juvenile Detention Facilities................................................................2
Inmate Sexual Offenders.........................................................................................................2
Correctional Officers...............................................................................................................2
Prison Rape Elimination Act...................................................................................................3
Measuring the Extent of Sexual Assault in Juvenile Detention Facilities...............................4
Options for Implementing Revisions in Juvenile Detention Facilities........................................5
Update Technology..................................................................................................................5
Improve the Monitoring Procedures........................................................................................5
Establish a more Effective Inmate Placement Process............................................................5
Revise Evaluation Procedures.................................................................................................5
Implement Revisions to the Existing Grievance Procedures...................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................................6
GLOSSARY....................................................................................................................................7
APPENDXICES..............................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

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LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1 Reasons Inmates dont Report Rape...................................................................................4

Figure 1: Survey on Prison Rape.....................................................................................................5

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ABSTRACT
This report evaluates the feasibility of implementing revisions to the department of juvenile corrections
as a means to address sexual assault. There are many laws that enforce how prison staff deal with
sexual assault, however it still exist. Inmates can sexually abuse each other and correctional officers
can sexual abuse inmates. This report outlines some of the underlying problems within the department,
and offer practical solutions to address sexual assault. The overall purpose is to implement revisions to
the department procedures, protocols, and operational practices. In order to improve the department of
juvenile corrections and reduce, with the hope of eliminating, sexual assaults the following
recommendations should be considered:

Update technology at Juvenile Detention Facilities

Improve the Monitoring Procedures
Establish a more effective Inmate Placement Process
Revise the Evaluation Procedures
Implement revisions to the existing Grievance Procedures

Any attempt to improve correctional facilities and create a safer environment is beneficial. The goal of
the department is to reduce re-offenses through rehabilitation. Addressing and investigating sexual
violence can reduce an inmate risk of becoming a victim and change societal attitudes towards prison
rape. Overall, the data supports that by enforcing laws and using practical strategies to target sexual
assault the detention facilities will become safer.

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INTRODUCTION
Sexual Assault occurs every day in America and has become increasingly prevalent in Juvenile
Detention Facilities. In some cases, facility guards are the perpetrators of sexual abuse. Although the
Department of Corrections is responsible to provide care and protect inmates, they have failed.
Statistics reveal that juvenile males entering the penal system are very likely to be abused sexually.
Sexual assault is a crime and should be treated as such in any situation or circumstance. All youth,
regardless of their individual circumstances have fundamental rights to be protected from physical
abuse. It is very hypocritical for the Department of Corrections to enforce laws prohibiting sexually
assault, when they have failed to protect those in their custody.
Since the Department of Childrens Services is responsible to investigate all allegations of sexual abuse
of children, the Department of Juvenile Justice is responsible for protecting those in their custody from
unlawful acts, such as sexual assault. Serious action must be taken to raise awareness and address
sexual assault in juvenile detention facilities. Sexual assault is a major social concern because Society
has an ethical, legal, and moral obligation to prohibit predatory acts that will affect the lives of children
physically, emotionally, and mentally. Rape is a crime punishable by law, and the same protection
should be extended to those behind bars regardless of their social status.
A goal of the department of juvenile corrections is to rehabilitate offenders to become productive
citizens, who at some point re-enter society. The department of juvenile corrections cannot adequately
meet its goal without addressing the issue of sexual assault. Statistics reveal that male inmates reported
high levels of post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression, suicide, increased risk for HIV, and
emotional disturbance due to high exposure to sexual violence. Rather than protecting members of
society, the department of juvenile justice will be providing an injustice, if they release inmates back
into society more damaged than when they entered. Although there is no guarantee that all sexual
offenders will be rehabilitated, the department of corrections must make every effort to try. When
inmates dwell in a safe facility, free of sexually violence, and complete treatment programs, their likely
hood to reoffend is reduced. Therefore to address Prison Rape, I propose to implement revisions to the
existing grievance procedures, to update the monitoring procedures and technology, and to improve the
placement and evaluation procedures to protect adolescent in the care of the juvenile correctional
facilities.

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DATA SECTION
Key Factors in Implementing Changes in Juvenile Detention Facilities
Although similar methods have been used, the following proposed changes can sharply reduce sexual
assault among juveniles, especially with the support of legislative action to hold correctional
administration,, guards, and inmates responsible. To access the feasibility, of implementing revisions to
the department of juvenile corrections, I plan to pursue seven areas of inquiries.
Understanding Juvenile Justice
Juvenile courts are primarily concerned with the protection and safety of children and address issues
on custody, supervised visitations, and family counseling. The department of justice is also responsible
for prosecuting juvenile offenders and overseeing the detention facilities. It is important to understand
that juveniles can be found guilty of various crimes and serve different lengths of time. One youth may
be found guilty of robbery and another could be a Child Rapist. Regardless of their criminal
involvement, juveniles are frequently placed in detention facilities are expected to be rehabilitated. It is
the responsibility of the department to reprimand convicted juvenile offenders and also provide an
emotional supportive environment, access to education, and protection from physical abuse. At no point
should a youth be sexually assault while in the custody of the department. The law protects
children/adolescent from being sexually assaulted in the care of their guardians; therefore the same law
must be upheld in government facilities. A key component to changing a problem is to understand the
problem. Statistical data has proven that prion rape is prevalent, and sexual violence in juvenile
facilities is increasing. Changing the system from within will have a profound impact on how well
offenders are rehabilitated. It would be impractical to expect inmates to live in a hostile environment
and return back into society as productive citizens.
Identifying what is Sexual Assault
Some words use to describe behaviors can have condescending interpretations; however the phase
sexual assault meaning is literal. Because the law must be understood by all members of society the
definition of Rape, Sexual Battery, Rape Statutory, and Child Sexual abuse all have very detailed
meanings. Sexual abuse can happen to anyone regardless of ages or gender. A victim of sexual abuse
may not be able to talk openly about what happened, but there are many signs, such as depression,
anger, and drug and alcohol dependency. It is very common for the general public to be unaware of the
extent of sexual violence in the world, but the reality is that individuals are raped every day. Society
attitude towards rape have become more tolerating and disengaged, Bell illustrated a concise example
found in a survey that affirmed: Sexual assault has been accepted in the past and there has been an
expectation that it will occur; in some prison environments practices exist that encourage or facilitate
sexual assault (p19). Identifying what constitutes rape is an important part of addressing the problem;
however it is more important for the judicial system to enforce zero tolerance. There is no easy answer,
but through educating, legislative action, and advocacy, perhaps sexual assaults will become less
tolerated in the future.
Sexual Assault within Juvenile Detention Facilities
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Sexual assault is always considered illegal regardless of an individual situation or circumstance. To be

free of physical abuse is a fundamental human right and punishable by law. It is imperative that the
department of corrections protect those in their custody with the same effort use to protect society at
large. Rape is prevalent in prisons and has become common in juvenile detention facilities. When
juveniles entered custody that may be aware of the threats of their environment, and some juveniles
may find the detention facility a better atmosphere from where they came. Regardless of social class,
inmates should expect no special treatment, but they should expect to be treated fairly. Inmates are
informed on the rules and regulations of the facilities for example, Phil-Buckley points out that as
stated in the brochure: No youth or staff members ever have the right to ask you for a sexual favor or
to have sex with you and you also do not have the right to ask any other youth for sexual favors as
they cannot consent due to their age and custodial status (p45). Although the department has set
standards on sexual activity, they have not been able to prevent it from happening.
Inmate Sexual Offenders
Juvenile sex offenders are primarily sent to detention facilities. Most detention facilities have units
designated for sexual offenders. The department is responsible for providing treatment and
rehabilitation services for juvenile sex offenders. They are also responsible for protecting inmates from
becoming victimized while their custody. In an article from Corrections Today, the authors elaborate on
sexual violence and juveniles: youth under the age 18 account for nearly 19 percent of all forcible
rapes and 26 percent of arrest for other sexual offenses and even more concerning, many juvenile sex
offenses go undetected (p24). Because juvenile sexual assault has increase, an inference can be made
that rape will increase within detention facilities as well. A sexual perpetrator is not likely to change
their behavior without external intervention, therefore it is important for juvenile sex offenders be place
into treatment programs where they are able to get help. The treatment goal for sexually offenders is to
teach them how to control sexually abusive behaviors and methods that they used in the past to entrap a
victim. This is especially important because many of the juvenile sex offenders have been abused
sexually themselves, most likely during early childhood, and have never had therapy. In order to break
the cycle of rape and prevent re-victimization, the detention has to make a stronger attempt to prevent
institutional sexual violence.
Correctional Officers
Correctional officers and police officers both have been charged to protect and serve. Correctional
officers are the eyes and ears within the prisons, and they are ultimate responsible for the welfare of
inmates and daily operation of facilities. There have been stories in the media about corrupt guards and
investigations of sexual abuse in prions. Although inmate on inmate assault is very prevalent, guards
have also been found guilty of raping inmates. Due to the media exposing corrupt officers, the
department has begun taken serious action. To understand the underlying problem Abridge states:
these examples indicate that despite increase efforts to educate and train staff on the boundaries of
professional conduct, as is done in all professions, there are still some correction employees violating
longstanding policy (p80) Majority of correctional officers are highly trained and provide exceptional
services, however sexual relations between guards and inmates cannot be tolerated. The department
must hold officers and administrator accountable.
Prison Rape Elimination Act
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In recent years the United States Congress passes the Prison Rape Elimination Act to address sexual
assault in correctional facilities. Prison rape is not merely a new problem, but rather a very deep-rooted
issue that lacks serious attention. Have you ever heard the expression Dont drop the soap? Well this
is a perfect example of the comical attitude society have toward prison rape. Somehow the issue
became amusing and the mass media has portrayal prison culture as entertaining; however control,
snitching, retaliation, and rape are real. Some would argue that inmates deserve to be treated
inhumane, but the reality is that rape that exist anywhere is wrong. Table 1 Illustrates reasons inmates
dont report sexual abuse. The Justice system will remain corrupt until a real solution is implemented
to
produce real change. More must be done
to
hold prison guards and correctional
facilities administrators accountable.
Table 1 Reasons Inmates dont Report Rape
Prison staff main priority is to protect the
Original Visual
inmates from hurting each other, but they
Data Source: http://www.wcl.american.edu
do
not always follow investigation
Reasons for not
Inmates
procedures.
By

Reporting Sexual
Assault
Embarrassment
Retaliation from
the perpetrator
Fear of harassment
by others
Dont want to be
put in safekeeping
Personal matter/no
one elses business

Responses
by Percentage
29.79 %
29.29 %

the same token the Department of

corrections must eliminate and prosecute
prison staffs who are guilt of inflicting
sexual abuse and sexual harassing
20.96 %
inmates. Prison rape is continually
6.57 %
perpetuated when society pretends it
doesnt exist. Although legislators have
4.80 %
pass laws to eliminate prison rape the bill
lacks authoritative action. Investigations
on
allegations of prison rape are brought
before an administrative panel; however
the panel lacks authority to hold sexual offenders accountable. The purpose of the Justice system is to
correct and rehabilitate offenders back into society. The system cannot function properly when inmates,
especially juvenile youth, are being further victimized while in custody. Many case studies explain the
social emotional damage, shameful, and embarrassing scars indebted to those who have been sexually
violated. The problem is not going to go away on its own; therefore a practical and effective solution
must be implemented.

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Measuring the Extent of Sexual Assault in Juvenile Detention Facilities

The Department of Juvenile Justice is responsible to provide rehabilitation, treatment, and intervention
services to youth in their custody. Delinquent youth, no matter what offense, are expected to be treated
humane, provided care, and receive a good education. However, the truth is that once a youth enters the
Juvenile Correction system he/she will mostly likely become a victim of sexual assault. Increasing
testimonies and investigations have disclosed exactly how prevalent sexual assault is in correctional
facilities, especially among male inmates. Statistics show that minorities, especially African American
males, homosexuals, minors sentenced to
adult prisons, and individuals with a
history of being sexually abused are at a
higher rate of being victimized in custody.
African American males have a higher rate
of incarceration than their counterparts;
therefore they are at higher risk of being
sexually assault in prison.
There is a myth that homosexual male
inmates have consensual sexual
encounters, however homosexual males
can be victims of prison rape. Numerous
investigations attest that Juveniles
sentence to adult sentences will become
victims of sexual assault. Studies show
that many male inmates are depressed,
drug dependent, emotional stressed, and
even suicidal. Throughout human
civilization Rape has been deemed
immorally, unethically, violent, and a
violation of human rights. Therefore
Figure 1: Survey on Prison Rape
Prison Rape must be eliminated. Figure 1
Original Visual
reveals data taken from prison officers
Data Source: http://www.thenation.com
who were interviewed about Prison Rape:
Category One represents 24% of
correctional officers who thought inmates that had taken money or cigarettes happen prior to rape.
Category Two represents 23% of correctional officers thought if they previously engaged in consensual
sexual acts in prisons they deserved rape. Category Three represents 17% of correctional officers who
thought if they dressed or talked in feminine ways they deserved rape. Category Four represents 16%
of correctional officers thought inmates deserved rape if they were homosexual. These examples prove
that there are significant disparities in how often rape occur in prisons.

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Options for Implementing Revisions in Juvenile Detention Facilities

Update Technology
Out dated surveillance systems prevents guards from properly monitoring the inmates. Installing
modern technology will allow guards the ability to accurately monitoring inmates. Updated technology
will reduce prison rape because guards will have access to better equipment to perform their duties.
Hidden camera systems will be installed. Surveillance systems can be uses as evidence if and/or when
allegations of sexual assault are made. It can also help proven any false allegations of reported
incidents. Install audio surveillance systems that will record inmates as a means to proactively prevent
sexual assaults from happening.
Improve the Monitoring Procedures
Hire highly trained and outsourced staff to monitor the guards. Although costly, this improvement will
reduce and/or deter prison staff from sexually assaulting inmates. This process will also help to
expedite the grievance and investigation procedures. Hire highly trained prison guards: Increasing the
employment requirements for prison guards will reduce sexual abuse.
Offer trainings and continuous education courses on topics regarding sexual assault. Require annual
background checks to be performed on prison staff. Hire outsourced monitor guards that will be
responsible for monitoring prison staff to prevent sexual abuse and hold administration accountable for
internal affairs.
Establish a more Effective Inmate Placement Process
Classifying of criminals by offenses will allow inmates to be separated from sexual offenders, reducing
further victimization. Sexual offenders will be separated and received treatment in an environment that
will be safer for them and other inmates.
Revise Evaluation Procedures
Inmates with a history of sexual abuse or who are sexual offenders will be evaluated. This revision will
allow inmates to received ongoing therapy and reduce the risk of abuse and/or offenses. Juvenile
inmates who have a known history of child hood sexual abuse are vulnerable and will be separated
from the general population so they can receive treatment and are prevented from further victimization.
Implement Revisions to the Existing Grievance Procedures
Statics about how often sexual abuse happens in prison settings is not as accurate for many reasons.
Often times victims are embarrassed, ashamed, guilty, and fearful of retaliation. Changes in the
grievance procedures can help those who have been violated and reduce disparities in data. Juveniles
are still considered minors, according to Toney: Because they deal with children juvenile correction
professionals already place a great emphasis on the sexual safety of youths and most jurisdictions are
bound by laws pertaining to child welfare, unlike the adult system, mandatory reporting is required for
any matter of suspected abuse in juvenile settings (p70). Mandatory investigation and immediate
administering of rape kits should be the standard protocol when abuse is reported. Establishing of a
protective custody system will assure the safe of identified sexual assault victims and inmates who
witness sexual abuse. Implementing an anonymous reporting system, that offers witnesses special
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privileges. In addition enforcing child sexual abuse reporting laws in Juvenile fatalities will hold all
staff accountable for accurately following grievance procedures.

CONCLUSION
I have clearly provided examples of real problems that exist with the Department of juvenile
corrections. Numerous reports on sexual assault within juvenile detentions and prisons has proven the
problem still exist, despite past attempts to eliminate rape. As mention before sexual assault is a
violation of human rights and illegal, therefore the department must operate facilities that are in
compliance with the laws that govern society. By addressing the seven areas of inquiry mention before,
I can determine the feasibility to implement revisions to the department of juvenile corrections, with a
hope of reducing incidents of sexual assault. With your approval, I will immediately begin working to
implement the proposed initiatives.

RECOMMENDATIONS
In order to alleviate and/or eliminate sexual assault from within Juvenile detention facilities a
collaborative effort must exist between Juvenile Corrections Administrators, Facility Staff, Politicians,
Processional Helpers, and service providers. Immediate action must be taken to address the issue of
sexual assault in Juvenile Detention Facilities, please consider the following suggestions:

Update technology at Juvenile Detention Facilities

Improve the Monitoring Procedures
Establish a more effective Inmate Placement Process
Revise the Evaluation Procedures
Implement revisions to the existing Grievance Procedures

During my para-professional experience I have observed the emotional damage that sexual abuse can
have on children and adults. As a child welfare advocate and student social worker, I have become
aware of how prevalent sexual abuse is within the Department of Juvenile Corrections. Since then I
have been inspired to seek justice, so that all children, regardless of their legal status will be afford the
same rights of all free individuals, and that is to be free of sexual ,physical, and emotional abuse.
Although similar methods have been used in the past to address sexual assault, my proposal will
improve Juvenile Detention Facilities by reducing, with the hope of eliminating, sexual offenses. These
methods alone cannot eliminate sexual assault in Juvenile Detention Facilities, however through a
collaborative effort I believe a difference will be made.

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GLOSSARY
Child Sexual Abuse is the commission of any
act involving sexual contact with a child less
than 13 years of age. This includes any
penetration of the vagina or anal opening,
whether or not there is the emission of semen;
any contact between the genitals or anal
opening of one person and the mouth or tongue
of another; intentional touching of the genitals
or intimate parts or the clothing covering them;
intentional exposure of perpetrators genitals in
the presence of a child, or any other sexual act
intentionally perpetrated in the presence of a
child, if the act is for the purpose of sexual
arousal or gratification, aggression,
degradation, or other similar purposes.
Juvenile Court is a specialized court system
designed to treat youthful offenders separately
Rape is the unlawfully sexual penetration,
accompanied by circumstances such as force,
coercion, lack of consent of the victim, fraud,
mental incapacitation or physical helplessness
on the part of the victim.
Rape, Statutory is sexual penetration of a
victim by the offender or of the offender by the
victim, when the victim is at least 13 and less
than 18 years old, and the defendant is at least 4
years older than the victim.

Bold and Italic words appear in the Glossary

Rapist Child is a person convicted one or more

times of rape of a child.
Sexual Assault is a category of crime including
rape, in which a person forces another to
commit a sex act.
Sexual Battery is the touching of intimate parts
(breast, buttocks, and genitals) of a child under
the age 13. Sexual battery by an authority
figure is the unlawful contact with a victim by
an offender or the offender by the victim, under
the following circumstances: Victims is at least
13 years old, but less than18; offender at time
of the offense has supervisory or disciplinary
power over the victim by virtue of the
defendants legal, professional, or occupational
status (step-parent, doctor, teacher, coach) and
uses such power to accomplish the sexual
act/contact; at time of offense the offender had
parental, or custodial authority over the victim.
Sexual Offender is any person who is
convicted in Tennessee of any sex offense or if
such a person has been convicted in another
state of an offense that would constitute a sex
offense in this state.

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APPENDXICES
Interview
Personal Interview
Cathy Gurley -Executive Director
You Have the Power
Nashville, TN
June 30, 2014
Q: What is You Have the Power?
A: You Have the Power.Know how to use it, is a non-profit operating for twenty one years,
serving the state of Tennessee through educational, empowerment, and advocacy, for victims
impacted by crime. If we can help one person seeking healing, than thats a really good thing, its
not all about numbers. The cycle of sexual abuse must be broken!
Q: What are some of your duties as Executive Director?
A: I get to wear many different hats, developing educational programs, public speaking, talking
with the media, and fundraising.
Q: What degrees do you hold?
A: I have Bachelors in Art; I majored in English and minored in philosophy.
Q: How many years, total, do you have in professional practice?
A: I have 35 years of professional work experience, and I have worked 2 years as Executive
Director with You Have the Power.
Q: Based on your experience how prevalent would you say Sexual Assault is within Juvenile
Detention Facilities?
A: There are alarming statics about sexual attacks in prisons in generally, I assume the same is
true within the Juvenile facilities.
Q: Do you serve on any boards?
A: Yes, I serve and advocate on the Sexual Offenders Treatment Board. Statistically 1 in 4 girls
and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abuse before their 18th b-day. I represent victim advocate groups.
Professionals in Criminal Justice, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Office of Parole and
Probations , Department of Corrections, Psychologist , Psychiatrist , Social Workers, and Child
Welfare Advocates, come together and look into treatment options for victims and perpetrators. I
look at what is helpful to the victims and for ways to reduce re-offenses. We also review the
legislative process. For example, sexual offenders are required by law to attend counseling. I

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thought that the large group counseling sessions were not as effective, and I thought that
individual treatment, or smaller groups would be more beneficial. Thus for changes have been
made for sexual offenders to receive counseling in smaller counseling groups, no more than 20 in
each group.
Q: What can be done to address Sexual Assault within Juvenile Detention Facilities/Prisons?
A: It takes a lot of diligence among those in charge of maintaining safety in prisons, especially
Juvenile detentions. Swift and complete accountability must take place when an incident occurs.
Q: Statics show that inmates, particularly Black males, have high rates of suicide, depression,
post -traumatic stress syndrome, and higher risk for HIV; mainly because of their higher
incarnation rates. What other problems can you identify that inmates may experience?
A: Many we need to encourage that sexual assault is not tolerated inside or outside the prison.
Q: How effective is the (PREA) Prison Rape Elimination Act?
A: It has help establish a culture that clear says, Sexual Assault is not to be tolerated
Q: How is policy involved in your work?
A: I try to improve the laws that will help victims and prevent re-victimization. We have a very
successful victim impact curriculum, and it is the only curriculum approved to be taught and
implement into Tennessee prisons. Our curriculum has reduced recidivism. We want to adapt our
curriculum to Juvenile Detentions as a new tool to prevent future problems.
Q: How is research involved in your work?
A: Research is important, but has been very limited. We need to be able to assess what we do.
We are implementing pre and post-test, to understand how much of an impact we are making.
Our first chapter is on accountably and last chapter is on forgiveness. Educational presentations
help spread the word and raise awareness on the issue of sexual abuse
Q: Resilience is the ability to overcome trauma, how does your work foster resilience?
A: When we work with a victim, and every one heals in a different way, we help them find
resources that are available. There a number of convicted sexual offenders scheduled for the
death penalty, and we dont have an opinion on that. We have been getting a lot of phone calls
about it. Some victims want to see the offenders reprimanded. We dont say whether its right or
wrong. Taking a life cannot change the damage that has been done. We support the victims.
Q = Question
A=Answer

Anthonio 10

Interview
Personal Interview
Crystal James- Correctional Officer
Charles Bass Correctional Complex
Nashville, TN
July 1, 2014
Q: What is Charles Bass Correctional Complex?
A: Charles Bass is an adult male, medium level, security facility. We also have a transition unit
that hold higher restricted inmates. We currently house 659 inmates. Inmates can be serving time
between 10 years to life sentences. Some inmates get out on early release if the complete
programs and have good behavior.
Q: What are some of your duties as a Correctional Officer?
A: My Duties are to first and foremost operate safe and secure prisons. My job is to provide
effective supervision and enhance public safety.
Q: What are some barriers that you experience?
A: Smoking (cigarettes and marijuana) are major problems within the prison community.
Correctional Officers constantly do security checks, but we dont see everything. If we dont see
it happening we cant write paper work, because was not able to make positive or negative
assumptions without verifying the facts.
Q: What is the protocol for investigating sexual assault?
A: If we get a hit (tip or incident complaint) on someone being sexually assaulted, we verify
the facts with the victim, and then we put the offender under pending investigation. The victim
will be moved to a protective custody unit, until its solved.
Q: Please describe the Sexual Offender Unit
A: The Sexual Offender unit is the best unit on the compound, because the program runs itself.
Not all offenders have committed the same kinds of crimes. Some offenders have raped elderly
persons or children. Some have been involved in domestic cases, where they were found guilty
of sexual assaulting their significant other. Some sexual offenders have been charged with
statutory rape charges. I put myself in peoples shoes; I dont treat the sex offenders any different
than the murders.
Q: What degrees do you hold?
A: I m a senior work on my bachelors in Criminal Justice at Tennessee State University

Anthonio 11

Q: What are the employment requirements for Correctional Officers at Charles Bass?
A: 18 years old, high school diploma, clean background, pass drug test, 4 weeks training at the
police department We are training in areas of chemicals, gun training, physical training, use of
force, and CPR. Drug test and searches of vehicles are randomly done on staff.
Q: What kind Professional Development is provided for Correctional Officers?
A: Inmate and employee relations, how to communicate with inmates, sexual boundaries with
inmates, respecting the inmates. We had training on signs and techniques of dealing with inmates
that have been sexual, physical, and mental abused. We only did the training for 4 weeks. You
can go back to refresh your memory if you need to but they do not offer training on a yearly
bases.
Q: How many years, total, do you have in professional practice?
A: I have interned at the prisons, and worked there for one year.
Q: Based on your experience how prevalent would you say Sexual Assault is within Juvenile
detention facilities/Prison?
A: Very Prevalent! Sexual assault in Juvenile facilities is about the same as prisons. Cell phones,
cigarettes, and marijuana are the most visual problems in prisons because you can catch inmates
engaged in those acts. But sexual assault is not always detected or reported because some
inmates dont want to come forth because of fear, or its just a part of their lifestyle.
If we catch inmates having sex they will go under investigation and be reprimanded. We do
checks at 2, 4, 5:30, 9, 10:30, and 12:00(on a 24 hour base), inmates can be standing or sitting.
The inmates know our job better than us, if you do the same routine; they know how to avoid
getting caught. Younger inmates are often manipulated by older inmates and forced into having
sex. Officers in some facilities have also used their power to manipulate inmates into having sex.
Q: What can be done to address Sexual Assault within Juvenile Detention Facilities/Prisons?
A: Majority of individuals, especially youth, that is in jail want to go home. If the Department of
Juvenile Detention Facilities would provide programs and offer incentives, to lessen their
sentence, than maybe inmates would not engage in criminal behavior. If you get caught having
consensual sex with another inmate, you get a class A, C, and/or E write up; it goes on your
record and you have more restrictions.
Q: How effective is the (PREA) Prison Rape Elimination Act
A: PREA is very beneficial, because the program promote the rights of victims, set standards,
and bring awareness to the community that rape is a crime.

Anthonio 12

Q: Do you have any additional comments?

A: Showers and cells are the main places inmate can be sexually assaulted. Correctional officers
sometimes abuse inmates or have sexual relations with them, which is against protocol and
illegal. Sexual violence is becoming more prevalent. Back in the day you would just lose you
job, but now offending inmates and officers, who are found guilty of sexual assault, are being
prosecuted and are placed on the sex offenders list. I think your proposal can improve the
department. An update in technology would be great!

Q = Question
A=Answer

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