FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 2, 2021) – Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC) in West Liberty passed its recent Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) audit. Signed into law Sept. 4, 2003, PREA is intended to address the detection, prevention, reduction, and prosecution of sexual harassment and abuse in correctional facilities in the country.
The audit was conducted by Lori Fadorick, a PREA auditor contracted by the American Correctional Association.
“Random interviews we conducted with inmates revealed that they are comfortable approaching and reporting to staff,” said Fadorick. “They feel that the staff at EKCC would take any report seriously and act immediately.”
“EKCC continues an established history of meeting national PREA standards. Institutional staff place a daily and ongoing priority upon offender safety and I am proud of EKCC for their accomplishment,” said Deputy Commissioner Randy White.
Assistant Director/Agency PREA Coordinator Shannon Butrum emphasized that PREA compliance requires diligence and commitment. “Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex has worked hard throughout the operational challenges of the current pandemic to ensure that PREA compliance was maintained and continued to remain a priority,” Butrum said.
“I am very proud of the staff at EKCC,” said Warden David Green. “They work hard every day to ensure that the institution is running smoothly and remains compliant with all PREA standards not only because it is required, but because it is the right thing to do. I am blessed with awesome PREA compliance staff and appreciate their work very much.”
PREA audits consist of 45 national standards that ensure compliance with all facets of this federal legislation. The last PREA audit conducted at EKCC was in 2018, which also resulted in a passing score.