Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is continuing his bipartisan efforts to improve prison safety and security.
Sens. Ossoff and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Human Rights Subcommittee, recently introduced the bipartisan Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, which would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a comprehensive review of inmate-on-staff sexual assault at all Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities and help end sexual abuse in Federal prisons.
The DOJ would then be required to submit a report on their findings to Congress and establish a national standard aimed at preventing and reducing sexual abuse in Federal prisons.
According to a February 2023 report by the DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG), 40% of 7,000 surveyed BOP staff stated they had been sexually harassed by an inmate.
“I remain focused on oversight of the Federal prison system and ending sexual abuse in prisons and jails, including the abuse of prison staff. Senator Blackburn and I are introducing this bipartisan bill to help end sexual abuse in Federal prisons,” Sen. Ossoff said.
“Last year, nearly half of surveyed Bureau of Prisons staff stated they had been sexually harassed or assaulted by an inmate. This statistic is appalling and unacceptable. No federal employee or law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work, and the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would be an important step forward in ending sexual abuse of prison staff who are simply trying to do their jobs,” said Senator Blackburn.
“I stand in full support of the proposed Sexual Harassment Legislation aimed at protecting Bureau of Prisons staff from harassment and ensuring a safe working environment. It is imperative that every employee, regardless of their workplace, feels secure and respected. This legislation is a crucial step towards achieving this goal within the Bureau of Prisons,” said Brandy Moore White, National President of Council of Prison Locals 33. “As the President of our Council, I would like to thank Senators Blackburn and Ossoff for their support and concern for our staff. I urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this legislation. Let us ensure that every person who works within the Bureau of Prisons can do so without fear of harassment or intimidation. Together, we can uphold the principles of dignity and justice that are at the core of our nation’s values.”
Sen. Ossoff continues working to strengthen safety in Federal prisons.
Last week, Sens. Ossoff and Blackburn, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Human Rights Subcommittee, launched a bipartisan inquiry with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) into recent reports of inmate-on-staff sexual assault.
In August, Sens. Ossoff and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the bipartisan Female Officers Ballistic Protection Act to ensure women across Federal law enforcement agencies have improved ballistic body armor that keep them safe on the job, including for female BOP officers.
In July, President Biden signed into law Sen. Ossoff’s bipartisan Federal Prison Oversight Act, historic prison reform legislation to overhaul independent oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prison’s 122 facilities nationwide.
In April, Sens. Ossoff and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced The Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into Federal prisons.
This February, Sen. Ossoff pressed BOP Director Peters in a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on the steps she’s taking to crack down on the contraband flowing through BOP facilities that threaten public safety, including at FCI Atlanta.
Click here to read the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act.
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