PREA

Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA)

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a federal law that prohibits and seeks to eliminate sexual assaults and sexual misconduct in correctional institutions and community corrections settings. The Pierce County Jail is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for staff and inmates.
  • The Pierce County Jail has zero tolerance for sexual assault or abuse of any person or sexual relationships between staff and inmates
  • Sexual misconduct includes sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and consensual acts.
  • Employees, contract staff, volunteers and vendors who engage in sexual contact or sexual misconduct with inmates will be referred for criminal prosecution when applicable.

How to Report Institutional Sexual Assault and/or Staff Sexual Misconduct

If you have information regarding a Pierce County Jail Inmate who has been sexually assaulted while in custody, report directly to the jail PREA Coordinator at 253-798-4823. You may also call the Pierce County Sexual Assault Center at 1-800-756-7273 or local in the Tacoma area at 253-474-7273.
It is critical that you provide as many details as possible. This includes:
  • The name(s) and locations of persons involved
  • The name(s) or description of any witnesses to the incident
  • Booking number (if an Inmate)
  • A brief description of the incident(s)
  • A brief description of where the event(s) occurred
  • The date(s), time and place of occurrence(s)
  • Names and contact information of others who might have additional information about the incident
  • Your contact phone number and address
The Pierce County Jail investigates all allegations of inmate–on–inmate sexual assaults and staff sexual misconduct. The department will discipline and, when appropriate, refer for prosecution individuals determined to be perpetrators of such conduct.

Reporting Information for Inmates


Inmates incarcerated in our facility are urged to report allegations of rape, sexual contact or staff sexual misconduct to the toll–free number “7-8-9” from any jail inmate phone. Inmates can also report by submitting a kite, a grievance, telling any staff member, their attorney or asking a family member or friend to call the Sexual Assault Center hotline.