The Justice Department’s Deputy Attorney General, Lisa Monaco, emphasized the need to eradicate sexual abuse in federal prisons during a meeting with prison wardens at their first nationwide training since the exposure of widespread abuse and a toxic culture at a California prison.
Expert and official teams will soon visit women’s prisons across the country to assess the progress of reforms implemented last fall, speaking to staff and prisoners, Monaco announced during a speech at the training facility near Denver.
In the first gathering in five years, wardens discussed wellness and leadership, referencing quotes from Malcolm X and Mahatma Gandhi. Monaco stressed the urgency of addressing the issue, calling on leaders to take action and remain vigilant.
Sexual activity between prison staff and inmates is illegal, as inmates cannot give consent due to the significant power imbalance. At Dublin prison in California, a predatory culture among employees thrived, hidden from public scrutiny for years. The prison’s former warden was convicted of sexually abusing inmates, with other staff members also charged.
While instances of abuse involving a warden are rare, allegations against correctional officers and staff are more frequent, according to Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz. He emphasized the need for immediate action when issues arise, as delays can allow problems to spread and grow.
Deputy Attorney General Monaco has instructed U.S. attorneys to prioritize cases involving allegations of sexual abuse by correctional staff. However, she emphasized the importance of prevention and fostering a culture that does not tolerate any instances of sexual abuse.
The new Bureau of Prisons director, Colette Peters, announced a new mission statement highlighting a fundamental change in the agency’s culture. Peters plans to focus on rehabilitation for prisoners, emphasizing their eventual reintegration into society.
Creating more “normal and humane” prisons will also lead to better working environments for American correctional workers, who often suffer from PTSD and have shorter lifespans than their international counterparts.
The challenge for leadership is to ensure lasting change, which requires sustained commitment over months and years, Horowitz noted.
The Justice Department is taking a proactive approach to address the crisis by building on the strategies implemented in response to the situation at Dublin prison. This includes increasing communication with staff and inmates, conducting thorough investigations, and ensuring proper surveillance measures.
President Joe Biden signed legislation in December requiring the Bureau of Prisons to repair and install new surveillance cameras to deter abuse and hold abusive workers accountable. However, the implementation of new cameras has been slow, with no new installations reported as of February, according to a status report to Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga.
The broad cultural change spearheaded by Director Colette Peters involves not only addressing sexual abuse but also transforming the overall environment within prisons. This includes improving rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals and preparing them to become “good neighbours” once released.
Peters also highlights the importance of creating safer and more supportive work environments for American correctional workers, which can lead to better outcomes for both staff and those in their care.
It is unusual for a high-ranking Justice Department official of Monaco to attend leadership training events held every two years before the coronavirus pandemic. Wardens, such as Kevin Pistro of a Marianna, Florida prison, felt supported by Monaco and Peters’ messages and expressed commitment to implementing the refocused priorities within their institutions.
However, significant change will take time to come. Horowitz emphasizes that major institutional shifts, whether in government or business, require time and consistent effort to permeate the entire system. The key to success lies in maintaining focus and commitment to fostering a culture of safety, respect, and rehabilitation throughout the nation’s prisons.
