PREA Investigator

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and timely investigations into allegations of sexual abuse, misconduct, harassment, and retaliation within confinement facilities.
• Gather and evaluate evidence, including conducting interviews with victims, alleged perpetrators, witnesses, and other relevant parties.
• Collect, preserve, and document physical evidence while maintaining a clear chain of custody.
• Utilize appropriate investigative techniques to ensure objectivity and accuracy in findings.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative reports, including findings, analysis, and recommendations, in a clear and professional manner.
• Ensure detailed documentation and secure handling of evidence, investigation notes, and interviews to maintain confidentiality and compliance.
• Report investigative findings and recommendations to the PREA Coordinator, facility leadership, or appropriate authorities in alignment with PREA standards.
• Conduct investigations in compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act’s guidelines and other relevant regulations.
• Identify policy or operational deficiencies and provide recommendations to improve compliance and prevent future occurrences of sexual misconduct.
• Work closely with the PREA Coordinator, legal staff, and external agencies, including law enforcement, medical personnel, and victim advocacy organizations, to ensure effective investigations and follow-ups.
• Collaborate with facility staff and leadership to recommend appropriate corrective actions or changes to policies and procedures following an investigation.
• Provide training or guidance to staff on identifying and reporting PREA-related incidents.
• Promote awareness about PREA policies and victim support resources within the facility as necessary.
• Participate in specialized training to remain up to date with PREA standards and investigative best practices.
• Review and analyze incident trends, identifying systemic vulnerabilities that may lead to sexual abuse, harassment, or misconduct.
• Submit trend analysis reports to leadership to guide operational improvements and compliance measures.
• Aid in PREA audits and inspections by providing records, explanations, or samples related to investigations.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of victims during and after the investigation process.
• Protect privacy and confidentiality rights throughout the investigation, abiding by applicable legal and ethical guidelines.
• Ensure administrative corrective actions and responses resulting from investigations are implemented promptly.
• Provide detailed and measurable recommendations for prevention, risk reduction, and response protocol improvements post-investigation.

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of experience conducting investigations in corrections, law enforcement, or an equivalent compliance-oriented role.
• At least 1 year of working specifically with organizational policies and compliance, preferably in contexts related to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) or similar federal/state regulations.
• Must possess or obtain and maintain certification or attendance in PREA Investigator Training courses conducted by recognized training organizations within 6 months of selected candidate's date of hire and throughout employment in this role.
• Strong interviewing, analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of PREA rules and standards, federal and state regulations governing incarcerated individuals, and grievance reporting procedures.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for investigation documentation and presentations.
• Ability to conduct interviews and investigations objectively, ensuring factual findings and recommendations.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Criminology, Psychology or an associated discipline preferred; two (2) years of experience in related field may be substituted for each year of the four (4) years of college.