Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

The PREA act of 2003 is a federal law created to eliminate sexual abuse in confinement settings.  The Boone County Sheriff's Office has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to sexual abuse and sexual harassment of detainees, either by staff member or by detainees.  We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our staff and Detainees. 

Detainees have the right to be free from sexual abuse, from sexual harassment and from retaliation for reporting such incidents. Sexual acts or conduct between detainees or between detainees and any staff member, even if consensual are prohibited and are subject to administrative and disciplinary sanctions as well as possible criminal action.

If you have information regarding a detainee who has been sexually abused or sexually assaulted while in the custody of the Boone County Sheriff's Office, please contact the Sheriff's Office at 815-547-5773. You do not have to give your name; however, it is critical that you provide as much information as possible so the incident can be investigated. This would include: The name(s) of detainees or officers involved the name(s) or description of any witnesses to the incident.  A brief description of the incident, the dates, time and place of the incident(s). Names and contact information of others who might have additional information. Your contact phone number and address (optional) The detainees in our facility have also been advised as to how to report incidents. The Boone County Sheriff's Office shall investigate all reported incidents of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. The office will discipline and when appropriate, refer for prosecution those individuals determined to be perpetrators of such conduct.