PREA Investigations: What Happens After an Allegation

Course Code: REL-PSC-0-PIWHAA

Hours: 1.5

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2025

Learning Objectives:
Define sexual abuse and sexual harassment according to the standards of the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
Recall 6 responsibilities first responders have when they observe or become aware of an allegation of sexual abuse or harassment.
Identify the 2 types of investigations that may be conducted when a sexual abuse or harassment incident occurs or an allegation is made.
Identify the general steps in a PREA investigation and 4 roles first responders may play during the investigation process.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Overview of the Prison Rape Elimination Act

The Prison Rape Elimination Act

Purpose of PREA

The PREA National Standards

Who Must Follow the Standards?

Other Forms of PREA Standards

Definitions of Sexual Abuse and Harassment

Correctional Agencies Definitions

Review

Summary

Section 3: First Responder at the Point of an Allegation

Officer Kale

Who is a First Responder?

Ways You May Receive Information About an Allegation

Responsibilities of a First Responder: Allegation of Sexual Abuse 

Responsibilities of a First Responder: Allegation of Sexual Harassment

First Responder Legal Liabilities

Officer Kale Revisited

Review

Summary

Section 4: The Investigative Process

Types of PREA Investigations

State Law May Drive the Type of Investigation

Steps in a PREA Investigation

Sexual Harassment Investigations

First Responder Role in a PREA Investigation

What If I am the Subject of an Allegation?

Review

Summary

Section 5: Conclusion

Summary

Course Contributors

Resources

References

Congratulations!

Instructor: Elizabeth Layman, B.S.

Elizabeth Layman's career includes nine years as a police officer/detective in Arlington, Virginia, including patrol, sexual assault investigations, and forensics. She was with the Florida Corrections and Florida Parole Commission for 16 years as a Parole Officer and Administrative Hearing Officer conducting hearings with thousands of inmate/detainees/detainees in prisons and jails. Additionally, she served as a special investigator for the Office of Florida Governor. Since 1998, Ms. Layman has been President of Price Layman, Inc., a criminal justice consulting firm. She has worked as a consultant with the U.S. Department of Justice, providing technical assistance and training on sexual misconduct and abuse for more than 300 jail administrators, corrections, and law enforcement agencies. Ms. Layman developed and delivers the following curricula: Training for Investigators of Staff Sexual Misconduct; The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003: Impact on Law Enforcement; co-authorship of Resource Guide for New Wardens; PREA – Policy Development Guide for Sheriffs and Chiefs, Staff Sexual Misconduct with Offenders: Policy Development Guide for Community Corrections; Preventing and Responding to Sexual Abuse in Tribal Detention Facilities. Ms. Layman continues to work across the country to assist with implementation of PREA. Ms. Layman has a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Virginia Tech.

Writer: Kimberly Cobb, MS

Mrs. Cobb is a Lead SME Writer/Trainer at Relias. Her primary writing responsibilities are in the content areas of public safety and behavioral health. Mrs. Cobb is also the onboarding trainer for new staff joining the Relias Content Department. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She has over 25 years of experience working in criminal and juvenile justice. Her work includes direct service, research, publication development, and training and technical assistance development and delivery.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Correctional Officers; in the following settings: Adult Corrections, Juvenile Corrections.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.