Ernst Cracks Down on Sexual Abuse of Prison Staff

WASHINGTON - As part of her continuing effort to prevent sexual misconduct in the prison system, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is supporting the bipartisan Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act to address the increasingly pervasive sexual assault and harassment of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees by inmates. From 2019-2023 there were 1,600 female staff members attacked by inmates at Thomson Federal Prison, just across the Iowa border in Illinois.

"Federal prison workers play a vital role in our justice system and in keeping our communities safe," said Ernst. "They deserve to have a workplace that is free from harassment. Through this legislation, I'm working to protect correctional staff and allow them to do their important jobs."

"We thank Senator Ernst for joining Senator Blackburn in leading the charge to protect correctional officers from harassment and assault by inmates. This bill represents an important first step, and we look forward to working with them on this and future legislation to ensure a safer workplace for all our members," said Jon Zumkehr, President of the BOP Employees Union Local 4070, which represents correctional officers.

The legislation would require:

• The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General to conduct a comprehensive statistical review and analysis of the incidence and effects of sexual harassment and assault perpetrated by federal inmates against Bureau of Prison (BOP) staff, including at Thomson Federal Prison;
• The U.S. Attorney General to report the findings of the Inspector General's review to Congress; and
• The U.S. Attorney General to promote a rule adopting national standards for prevention, reduction, and punishment of sexual assault and harassment of BOP staff by inmates.

Click here to view the bill.

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