Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have introduced the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act in response to a troubling report by the Justice Department Inspector General. The report revealed that 40% of Federal Bureau of Prisons staffers reported being sexually attacked by inmates, prompting the urgent need for action.
The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by representatives from both parties, aims to combat the high rate of sexual harassment and assault faced by corrections officers in federal prisons. The legislation has garnered support from various lawmakers, including Reps. Lee and Johnson in the House, and Sens. Blackburn and Ossoff in the Senate.
The proposed act mandates a thorough review of sexual assault and harassment cases involving prison guards by inmates within federal prisons. The Justice Department's Inspector General will be tasked with conducting a statistical analysis and presenting a detailed report to the judiciary committees in both chambers of Congress.
Furthermore, the bill requires the attorney general to establish new regulations to prevent and reduce such incidents, as well as standardize punishments for inmates who perpetrate attacks against guards. The goal is to create a safer working environment for all federal employees and law enforcement officers within the Bureau of Prisons.
Support for the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act extends to organizations like the Fraternal Order of Police, who recognize the urgent need to address the alarming number of sexual assault incidents faced by prison staff. The bill represents a crucial step towards ending the abuse and ensuring the safety of those who dedicate themselves to their jobs.
The Bureau of Prisons has faced criticism in recent years for various issues, including inmate suicides and reports of corruption within the agency. The resignation of the former director amid allegations of misconduct underscores the need for comprehensive reform within the Bureau of Prisons.
With the introduction of the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, lawmakers are taking proactive measures to address the pervasive issue of inmate sex crimes against federal corrections officers and improve the overall safety and security of prison staff.