Montana DOC Policy 1.1.17 - Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

Montana Department of Corrections Policy Directive DOC 1.1.17 sets the department's zero tolerance for all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment under the PREA standards in 28 CFR Part 115, and applies to all department divisions, facilities and programs. It took effect September 12, 2007 and was revised June 22, 2021 and October 25, 2024. Section IV.F requires facilities to provide multiple internal ways to report privately and at least one way to report to an outside entity with anonymity on request, and lists four reporting methods for offenders: telling an employee or service provider verbally, in writing, anonymously or through a third party; using the locked-box formal grievance procedure under DOC 3.3.3 Inmate Grievance Program; contacting the external agency listed on PREA posters and brochures posted throughout the facility; or leaving a message for a department employee using the inmate phone system. The policy also requires offender PREA education within 72 hours of intake, retaliation monitoring for at least 90 days after a report, and referral of all allegations to the Office of Investigations.