Tampa Republic

Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Congressman Hank Johnson have introduced the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, aimed at addressing sexual assaults on prison staff by inmates. A report from February 2023 by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General revealed that 40% of surveyed Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) staff reported being sexually harassed or assaulted by inmates.

Rep. Laurel Lee stated, "It is unacceptable that nearly half of Bureau of Prisons staff experience sexual harassment or assault by inmates. The Bureau of Prisons must do more to ensure the safety of corrections officers and to hold perpetrators accountable." She emphasized that the new legislation would provide oversight to tackle these abuses.

Rep. Hank Johnson highlighted the difficult jobs faced by federal correctional officers and stressed the need for their safety: "A recent report has shown unacceptable levels of sexual harassment and assault... Requiring the DOJ to conduct a comprehensive review and take concrete steps to reduce, prevent and punish sexual assault against BOP corrections officers is a good first step."

The Senate companion bill was introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn and Jon Ossoff. Senator Blackburn described the situation as "appalling and unacceptable," stating that no federal employee should fear for their safety at work. Senator Ossoff reiterated his focus on ending sexual abuse in prisons.

Patrick Yoes, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, supported the legislation, noting, "Federal correctional officers and other prison staff deserve the same standards of safety as law enforcement patrolling our communities."

The proposed act mandates several measures including a comprehensive review by the DOJ OIG, reporting findings to Congress, and establishing national standards for preventing and punishing such offenses against BOP staff.