The on-site PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) audit of the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI), Bennettsville, SC, was conducted from
June 6-8, 2017. The audit was completed by William Willingham, a Nakamoto Group Inc. certified auditor. This is the second PREA audit
for this facility. Prior to the on-site audit, the facility submitted the Pre-Audit Questionnaire to the auditor and provided a comprehensive
set of supporting documents for the responses to the questionnaire. The documentation was in the form of Program Statements (PS),
Institution Supplements (IS) and other forms/memos etc. Program Statements are agency-wide governing policies developed by the
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and Institution Supplements stipulate institution specific policies when there is no agency-wide policy or
when site specific policy is required to expand on agency Program Statements.
An entrance meeting was held the first day of the audit to discuss any concerns regarding the audit process and finalize the facility tour
and interview schedules. The following persons were in attendance: the Warden, the Associate Warden–Programs/Institution PREA
Compliance Manager (IPCM), the Associate Warden–Operations, the Executive Assistant/Satellite Camp Administrator, the Chief of
Psychology, one management analyst from the BOP Central Office, one American Correctional Association auditor and several facility
department heads/support staff. After the meeting, a comprehensive tour of the facility (FCI) and the minimum security satellite camp
(SPC) was completed. The tour included the FCI intake processing area, all housing units including the Special Housing Unit (SHU), the
Health Services department, recreation, food service, facility support areas, education, the Visiting Rooms and programming areas.
During the tour, it was noted that there was sufficient staffing and surveillance cameras to ensure a safe environment for inmates and
staff. Signs were posted (in English and Spanish) that indicated employees of the opposite gender were present in the housing units.
Inmates were able to shower, dress and use the toilet facilities without exposing themselves to employees of the opposite gender.
Informal and formal conversations with employees and inmates regarding the PREA standards were conducted. Postings regarding
PREA violation reporting and the agency’s zero tolerance policy for sexual abuse and harassment were prominently displayed in all
housing units, meeting areas and throughout the facility. Audit notice postings with the PREA auditors’ contact information were also
located in the same areas. There were no letters mailed to the auditor as a result of the audit postings in the housing units. The FCI and
SPC have been accredited by the American Correctional Association. Both the FCI and the SPC were observed to be well maintained,
clean, orderly and quiet.
A total of twenty randomly selected correctional staff were interviewed and included employees from the FCI and SPC. All BOP staff at
the institution are considered correctional workers/officers. Correctional officers and lieutenants from all shifts were included. All were
aware of the agency’s zero tolerance policy and knew their responsibilities to protect inmates from sexual abuse/harassment and their
duties as first responders as part of a coordinated response. The agency Director, agency PREA Coordinator and agency Contract
Administrator had been previously interviewed. Specialized staff were also interviewed and included the Warden, the IPCM, the Chief
Psychologist, two investigators, the Human Resources Manager, the Health Services Administrator and a member of the Evidence
Recovery Team. Two contractors, one volunteer and a staff victim advocate were also interviewed. All interviewed staff, contractors, a
community service provider and volunteers demonstrated an understanding of the PREA and their responsibilities under this program,
relative to their position in or with the organization and employment status (none refused to be interviewed).
Twenty-seven inmates were interviewed and were randomly selected from the FCI and SPC. The interviewed inmates were of various
ages, nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. Of the interviewed inmates, none self-identified as being gay,intersex or bi-sexual; one inmate
had previously reported an allegation of sexual abuse and two inmates self-identified as being transgender. Four limited English proficient
and two disabled inmates were included in the group of inmates interviewed. All inmates interviewed demonstrated a good understanding
of the PREA compliance program, the prevention, protection and reporting mechanisms, that staff were responsive to their needs and
stated they felt safe at the facility. No inmates refused to be interviewed.
A review of the investigative files opened during the past 12 months alleging sexual abuse or sexual harassment was conducted. There
were two allegations of inmate on inmate sexual abuse/assault, none of which required forensic evidence collection by a SANE service
provider in the community. One of the allegations was determined to be unfounded and one was unsubstantiated. All investigations were
completed promptly, thoroughly and were well documented. There were three open cases in the process of being investigated during the
on-site audit.