During this reporting period, the agency was mostly concerned with completing grant activities under its BJA-TTA 2020 grant, which the grantee was able to close. By the end of the grant, BSO-DoD purchased cameras and cables to upgrade the camera system in areas where existing cameras were beyond their life span. It was essential to the sexual safety of the incarcerated persons that cameras are up to date and depict clear images of activity in areas lacking direct supervision. After a needs assessment was conducted, camera specifications and locations were strategically planned and BSO-DoD successfully purchased and installed 55 cameras and two servers in several facilities. The upgraded cameras and servers significantly enhanced the staff's ability to view incarcerated persons in various areas that were previously under-monitored. BSO-DoD became aware that its inter-agency agreement with the sheriff's office significantly delayed the allocation of the grant funds and the project timeline. BSO-DoD also learned that running the necessary cables in aging facilities was more time and labor intensive than expected. BSO-DoD purchased cameras and cables to outfit areas of the jails where blind spots exist. Additional cameras will assist BSO-DoD staff in managing incarcerated persons in common areas in the dormitory style housing units. Not all dormitories have direct supervision, and additional cameras will allow for monitoring of IP's entering and exiting common areas, bathrooms, and movement in hallways. BSO-DoD staff may be assigned to multiple housing units and are often limited in their ability to observe direct contact between incarcerated persons who are not in the dayroom. Increased video monitoring will also allow for better investigations when an allegation of sexual harassment or sexual abuse is made. After a needs assessment was conducted, additional cameras and cables were installed in common areas, dormitory units, and other locations where monitoring was previously inadequate. Coordination of installation efforts proved challenging due to staff time constraints and shortages. In addition, other COVID-19 related projects were given higher priority for completion. Planning further projects may require dedicated installation teams or additional overtime resources to minimize workflow disruptions. BSO-DoD also learned that running the necessary cables in aging facilities was more time and labor intensive than expected. BSO-DoD provided identified staff with PREA training through conferences and webinars on PREA-related topics such as PREA investigative techniques, audit cycle, and emerging issues with the LGBTI and gender non-conforming community. Staff will become more knowledgeable on how to detect victims who have not yet reported an allegation, identify offenders who may prey on others, and assist with prosecution. The PC attended the PREA Convening in Washington, DC. The PC and one investigator attended the National PREA Coordinator's conference in Buffalo, New York. Several staff also attended the American Correctional Association Conference in Nashville Tennessee. BSO-DoD staff who attended conferences and trainings learned the value of networking with other PCs and investigators throughout the country. They were also provided with information on PREA best practices that can be used to enhance the BSO-DoD PREA practices. It is recommended BSO-DoD streamline the grant application process and independently apply for future grants rather than going through the county administrator. This change would allow funds to be released faster, reducing delays in project start times and enabling timely completion of all grant strategies. For future camera installations and similar technology upgrades, it is recommended BSO-DoD consider assigning dedicated teams specifically for these tasks. This would reduce dependence on staff overtime, minimize workflow disruptions, and ensure that security-related projects are completed efficiently. Due to challenges in securing external training sources that align with staff schedules, it is recommended BSO-DoD explore options for local PREA training sessions. This approach could lower training costs, improve access for more staff, and ensure ongoing education aligns with agency needs.
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