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From Compliance to Prevention: Understanding and Strengthening Responses to Reports of Sexual Misconduct in California State Men’s Prisons

Drawing on publicly available data, policy and oversight reports, and interviews with subject matter experts, this report evaluates what is currently known about sexual misconduct within CDCR, with a focus on men’s prisons, and identifies key factors that influence prevention, reporting, investigations, accountability, and sexual safety. It includes recommendations for a series of reforms aimed at strengthening prevention, improving reporting and investigations, increasing transparency and accountability, and supporting ongoing evaluation and learning.

AUTHORS:

Key Recommendations

  1. Set the system up for success in improving sexual misconduct prevention and response
    • Establish a better baseline understanding of current conditions and available data
    • Improve data systems and transparency
    • Address the backlog of incidents needing further investigation
    • Reduce prison populations and improve custody staff-to-incarcerated person ratios
  2. Address known issues with sexual misconduct incident reporting
    • Assess and improve access to confidential reporting options
    • Assess potential retaliation at both the individual level and group level
    • Use clear and timely communication to improve trust in reporting systems and investigations
    • Develop alternative pathways for addressing non-sexual safety concerns
  3. Improve investigative systems and accountability
    • Centralize and standardize complaint intake, screening, classification, and tracking
    • Improve investigative timelines for evidence collection and case resolution
  4. Strengthen institutional prevention capacity through supervision and environmental safety
    • Reduce isolated staff assignments and improve staff oversight
    • Expand camera coverage and reduce physical blind spots  Improve housing and classification practices to better support sexual safety
    • Invest in scanners and practices that reduce the use of body searches
    • Address scarcity and unmet basic needs that may increase vulnerability to coercion and exploitation
  5. Strengthen education and resources for both staff and incarcerated people
    • Increase resident education and provide multiple avenues of support
    • Evaluate existing staff training curriculum and identify areas for improvement
  6. Ensure ongoing evaluation and improvement
    • There should be regular evaluation of sexual misconduct and victimization risks with findings made publicly available
    • Review and strengthen PREA audit processes to improve accuracy, independence, and prevention impact
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