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· Random Staff
· Random Residents
The auditor reviewed the Pre-Audit Questionnaire (PAQ), applicable policies, the
facility’s public PREA reporting information, and conducted interviews with staff and
residents to assess compliance with Standard 115.322. Newport News Juvenile
Detention Center (NNJDC) maintains Policy 115.322, PREA Policies to Ensure
Referrals of Allegations, which requires that all allegations of sexual abuse and
sexual harassment be investigated through either an administrative investigation, a
criminal investigation, or both, as appropriate.
According to the PAQ, NNJDC received 15 allegations of sexual abuse or sexual
harassment during the previous 12-month audit period. 14 administrative and one
criminal investigation were initiated or completed during that time. The PREA
Coordinator confirmed this information during the audit and provided the auditor
with comprehensive PREA files for each allegation/investigation.
Policy 115.322 establishes that all allegations of sexual abuse are referred to the
Newport News Police Department (NNPD) Special Victims Unit for criminal
investigation, as NNPD holds the legal authority to conduct such investigations. The
policy also requires referral of allegations involving juveniles to the Virginia
Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services (CPS), as applicable. The
PREA Coordinator confirmed that all allegations would be documented and
appropriately referred in accordance with these requirements; the auditor was able
to confirm that allegations were documented and appropriate referrals occurred
during the audit period through review of investigative files.
The auditor reviewed the facility’s publicly available PREA information on the City of
Newport News website (www.nnva.gov/2271/PREA), which provides information
regarding the facility’s zero-tolerance policy, reporting mechanisms, PREA
educational materials, and annual reporting. This public posting supports
transparency and demonstrates the facility’s commitment to reporting and
responding to allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
During the facility site review, the auditor observed PREA informational postings
displayed throughout housing units and common areas. Residents reported that
they receive PREA education at intake and through ongoing group sessions
throughout their detainment, and they expressed understanding of how to report
concerns. Resident interviews indicated confidence that staff would take any
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