At Creative Corrections, we’ve seen firsthand that a well-executed PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) audit is far more than a compliance exercise it’s a catalyst for meaningful change. The Department of Justice emphasizes that high-quality PREA audits are “critical partners in DOJ’s efforts to uphold the integrity of the PREA audit and facilitate meaningful and lasting changes in confinement facilities across the country.”
Across the country, from Colorado to Pennsylvania, our certified PREA auditors have helped facilities uncover critical vulnerabilities, implement targeted improvements, and foster safer environments for both staff and incarcerated individuals.
What Happens When PREA Audits Are Done Right?
When PREA audits are conducted thoroughly and with a focus on actionable results, the impact is significant. We’ve witnessed remarkable transformations:
- Denver Contract Detention Facility: Our audit highlighted unmet standards related to accessibility and education for detainees with disabilities and limited English proficiency. Within six months, those gaps were closed, demonstrating what can be achieved with clear guidance and collaborative follow-through.
- Pike County Correctional Facility: Initially, 25 PREA standards were unmet. After a 180-day corrective action period, the facility achieved 100% compliance. That’s not just improvement, it’s transformation.
The ultimate goal of PREA, as articulated by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is to “eradicate prisoner rape in all types of correctional facilities in this country.” Our work directly contributes to this vital objective.
These successes stem from audits that are:
- Facility-specific, not one-size-fits-all: We tailor our approach to the unique operational realities of each facility.
- Rooted in operational reality: Our recommendations are practical and achievable within the correctional environment.
- Backed by experience and actionable recommendations: Our auditors bring extensive experience and provide clear, implementable solutions.
- Followed by support and accountability: We don’t just audit and leave; we support facilities through the corrective action process.
Why It Matters
PREA audits protect lives, improve morale, and reduce liability. They give leaders a roadmap and a mirror. When done right, they create a culture shift that reaches far beyond policy binders and checklists.
Creative Corrections is proud to be the only ISO 17020:2012 accredited correctional audit firm in the world. Our PREA audits are professional, confidential, and deeply rooted in correctional best practices.
If your facility is preparing for a PREA audit or wants to proactively improve compliance and safety, we’re here to help.
References:
- U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. (n.d.). Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) | Overview. Retrieved from https://bja.ojp.gov/program/prea/overview
- PREA Resource Center. (n.d.). Prison Rape Elimination Act Auditors: Information and Resources. Retrieved from https://www.prearesourcecenter.org/sites/default/files/PREA-Auditors-FS.pdf
