PREA

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

Congress enacted the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in 2003. The purpose of the Act is to eliminate sexual assault and staff sexual abuse in prisons, jails, police lockups, private prisons, juvenile facilities and community confinement facilities. The National PREA Standards for Adult Prisons became effective on August 20, 2012. ​Agencies are required to comply with these standards by demonstrating zero tolerance; not merely by words and written policy, but through their actions, including what they do to prevent sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual harassment and the response when this occurs.

The City of Franklin Police Department has ZERO TOLERANCE for sexual abuse and sexual harassment in its facility, in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). That means that this behavior is never okay. Abusers can be an arrestee, an FPD staff member, a volunteer, or anyone else who works at the FPD.

While you are in the FPD’s custody, you have the right to:
• Be free from sexual abuse and sexual harassment
• Safely and privately report sexual abuse and sexual harassment
• Be protected from punishment for reporting sexual abuse or sexual harassment
• Get medical care if you are sexually abused

If you believe you are in danger or if you are sexually abused or sexually harassed, you can report it by:

  • Telling any FPD employee or volunteer, including medical staff
  • Writing to the Detective Bureau Supervisor, when possible, at Attn. Detective Bureau Supervisor 1018 Pretlow Street Franklin, VA 23851

If you are not comfortable making a report to the FPD directly, you can:

  • Tell a family member or friend and have them report for you by contacting the FPD Detective Bureau Supervisor at 757-562-8575
  • Writing to the Detective Bureau Supervisor, when possible, at Attn. Detective Bureau Supervisor 1018 Pretlow Street Franklin, VA 23851

All reports will be fully investigated. The Franklin Police Department is responsible for keeping you safe and free from sexual abuse and sexual harassment while in our custody.