Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003

The Osceola County Corrections Department has a zero tolerance toward all forms of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment between inmates and facility staff. The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) is a federal law that established standards for prisons and jails to follow in order to eliminate sexual assaults, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. The Osceola County Corrections Department works towards that goal by maintaining a program of prevention, detection, response, and investigation directed at reducing all opportunities for abuse within the facility. Sexual assault among inmates and staff sexual misconduct and sexual harassment towards inmates is strictly prohibited and perpetrators are subject to administrative and criminal disciplinary sanctions.

The Department takes all reports of sexual abuse and assault seriously and actively investigates all allegations internally through Internal Affairs for administrative sanctions and externally through the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) for criminal sanctions. We will investigate all allegations made, whether reported by an inmate, a staff member or an outside third party. All criminal investigations are completed by the OCSO and allow for the preservation and collection of evidence and complete interviews of the victim, alleged perpetrator and any and all witnesses. The victim will be provided a forensic examination, access to a victim advocate and follow-up counseling, if requested. All substantiated allegations will be submitted to the Orange/Osceola County State Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution.

The Department provides several avenues for inmates to report abuse or potential victimization. Inmates who are currently, or in fear of, being sexually harassed, abused, or assaulted are encouraged to talk directly to a staff member. This will allow for the quickest response. Inmates may also complete a written request form, an inmate grievance form or use the internal Confidential Inmate Information Line.

If you have information regarding abuse or believe that an inmate currently in custody has been subjected to abuse, please contact Internal Affairs at 407-742-4426. You may also contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222, contact the Central Florida CrimeLine at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477), or you may submit a complaint form in person at the jail.

The Department will make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of those parties involved in any incident of sexual abuse or sexual assault. Information will be shared with investigators and other staff members who have a need to know.