Prison Rape Elimination Act

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a federal law established to address the elimination and prevent of sexual assault, sexual misconduct and harassment for those who are incarcerated. Island County Jail has a zero-tolerance facility regarding all forms of sexual misconduct. A PREA violation can be in any form of written, physical or verbal misconduct from other inmates or by staff members.

Reporting while Incarcerated

Every Inmate is provided a basic understanding of PREA when they undergo the booking process. There are posters around the facility, a 15-minute educational video is shown on weekends, and an informational pamphlet can be requested at any time. In addition to education, there is a line open on all inmate phones to directly reach the CADA 24-hour crisis line for confidential reporting.

Ways to report misconduct as a third party representative or prior inmate

If you or someone else has information regarding an Island County Jail Inmate who was sexually assaulted, abused or harassed while incarcerated, call the Island County Jail at 360-679-7324 and request a supervisor or the PREA coordinator. You may also call the Citizens Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse (CADA) 24-hour Crisis Line at 800-215-5669.

To allow the agency to provide you or the victim the best service possible, gather as much information as possible before calling. Suggested information includes but is not limited to:

• Names of the individuals involved and anyone who may have witnessed the assault.
• A detailed description of the incident(s).
• Location and approximate time and date the incident(s) occurred.
• Your name, telephone number and, possibly, an address.

The Island County Jail takes all reports seriously and will not penalize anyone for making reports for themselves or others. Intentional false reports and sexual perpetrators will face disciplinary repercussions and possible criminal charges.