Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing a bipartisan bill to improve prison safety and security.
Sens. Ossoff and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today introduced the bipartisan Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, which would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to mitigate inmate-on-staff sexual assault in Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities and help end sexual abuse in prisons.
The DOJ would then be required to submit data on the prevalence of inmate-on-staff sexual harassment in prisons to the DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and establish a national standard aimed at preventing and reducing sexual abuse in Federal prisons.
According to a February 2023 report by the DOJ OIG, 40% of more than 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.
“No federal employee or law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would help us end the sexual abuse of prison staff who are simply trying to do their jobs.”
“Federal correctional officers and other prison staff deserve the same standards of safety as law enforcement patrolling our communities. Every employee—both officer and staff—deserve a safe working environment. The passage of this critical legislation would mean the basic human rights and dignity of prison employees would be better safeguarded, and Bureau of Prison employees would be better suited to perform their duties at full capacity and free from fear. We greatly appreciate Senator Blackburn and Senator Ossoff’s introduction of this bill and look forward to working together to get it across the finish line,” said Patrick Yoes, President of the Fraternal Order of Police.
“This legislation sends a powerful message that the safety and dignity of BOP staff are non-negotiable. By prioritizing their protection, the Act not only improves working conditions but also contributes to a more effective and professional correctional system. I urge Congress to fully support the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act and work towards its swift passage. It is imperative that we stand with those who serve in our federal prisons and take action to create a safer and more respectful environment for all,” said Brandy Moore White, National President of National Council of Prison Locals 33.
“The American Correctional Association (ACA) applauds Senators Blackburn and Ossoff for their leadership on the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, which addresses the critical issue of sexual assault and harassment of Bureau of Prisons employees by those in custody. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on bipartisan efforts to ensure safe working conditions for correctional officers nationwide,” said Robert Green, American Correctional Association Executive Director.
Sen. Ossoff continues working to strengthen safety in Federal prisons.
Last September, Sens. Ossoff and Blackburn launched a bipartisan inquiry with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) into recent reports of inmate-on-staff sexual assault.
Last 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.
Click here to read the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act.
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