Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

PREA

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed by congress and signed into law by President Bush in 2003. The act supports the elimination, reduction, and prevention of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in correctional facilities across the country. This includes all federal, state, and county facilities.

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office PREA

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office supports and enforces a zero tolerance policy toward any form of sexual abuse or sexual harassment at the Cumberland County Jail. The CCSO policy is intended to prevent, detect, and respond to allegations thoroughly and confidentially. The CCSO policy is also intended to protect all inmates, employees, and third parties who report sexual abuse or sexual harassment from retaliation by other inmates or employees.

Any reported or detected offenses will be thoroughly investigated. All substantiated cases of sexual assault will be referred to the District Attorney for legal actions.

PREA Reporting

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office provides the opportunity for third party reporting of incidents or claims. You may report an incident on behalf of an inmate or detainee by notifying a staff member or by calling the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at (207)-774-5939 extension 2191. You may leave a recorded message reporting the incident, leaving your contact information so your report can be followed up on. You may also report allegations of sexual abuse/sexual harassment in writing to the Cumberland County District Attorneys’ Office, 142 Federal Street, Portland, ME 04101.

Ongoing counseling and support may be accessed by calling the Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) at 1-800-871-7741. SARSSM is not for reporting purposes. The information provided to this hotline may not necessarily result in an investigation of allegations.