Prison Rape Elimination Act

Congress enacted the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) to address the problem of sexual abuse of persons in the custody of U.S. correctional agencies. 

PREA calls for federal, state and local corrections systems to have a zero-tolerance policy regarding prison rape (as defined by PREA) in prisons, jails, police lock-ups, and other confinement facilities. 

The Act applies to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders and to community-based correctional agencies.

PREA applies to multiple forms of sexual violence, including coercion by staff or other incarcerated people. 

How We Stay In Compliance

The Daytona Beach Police Department has zero tolerance for any incidence of arrestee-to-arrestee sexual assault, staff sexual misconduct and sexual harassment towards inmates. 

DBPD is committed to make every effort to provide a safe, humane and secure environment for all arrestees. 

The Department takes all reports of sexual abuse and assault seriously and actively investigates all allegations internally through Internal Affairs for administrative sanctions and externally through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for criminal sanctions. 

DBPD will investigate all allegations, whether reported by an arrestee, a staff member or an outside third party. The victim will be provided a forensic examination, access to a victim advocate and follow-up counseling, if requested. 

All substantiated allegations will be submitted to the State Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution.

How To File A Report

The Department provides multiple ways for arrestees to report abuse or potential victimization. 

  1. Arrestees who are in fear of being sexually harassed, abused, or assaulted are encouraged to speak directly to a staff member, as this will allow for the quickest response.
  2. They may also complete and file a written Citizen Complaint (NOTE: You do not have to use the standard formal procedure to make a report).
  3. Arrestees can also use DBPD's Office of Professional Standards PREA Reporting Hotline number (listed on the posters throughout all the holding cells and housing areas) or the Volusia Rape Crisis Center Hotline (800-503-7621). Both calls are free and confidential. 

If you have information regarding abuse or believe that an arrestee currently has been subjected to abuse, please contact the Office of Professional Standards via email or call (386) 671-5121.

Third-Party Reports

The Department will accept all third-party reports received through:

  1. DBPD's Citizen Complaint system
  2. Verbal reports (made in-person or via telephone)
  3. Written communication (such as a letter or email)
  4. Direct contact with Department officials

When filing a report of sexual abuse or sexual harassment with the Department, some helpful information to include in the report is the date, time, and location of the incident and any involved parties. However, no one piece of this information is required to submit a report. 

The Department will make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of those parties involved in any incident of sexual abuse or sexual assault. Information will only be shared with investigators and other staff members who have a need to know.