The on-site Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) compliance audit of the Mountainview Youth Correctional Facility (MYCF), New Jersey
Department of Corrections (NJDOC), was conducted October 24-25, 2016. Prior to the audit, the facility submitted the Pre-Audit
Questionnaire to the auditor with a comprehensive set of supporting documents. This information was discussed with the facility PREA
Compliance Manager prior to the on-site visit. Much of the documentation was in the form of NJDOC and facility written policies and
documentation supporting compliance to the PREA. The Agency Head (Commissioner) and the Agency Wide PREA Coordinator were
interviewed prior to the on-site visit.
An entrance meeting was held the first day of the audit to discuss any concerns regarding the audit process and to finalize the facility tour
and interview schedules. The Associate Administrator and a Management Analyst were in attendance at the meeting. A comprehensive
tour of the entire facility was completed. The tour included the admissions and discharge area, all housing units the medical department,
the mental health department, recreation areas, the food service department, the maintenance department, the law library, the visitation
area, and education/ programming areas. During the tour, it was noted that there were 147 operating video cameras with recording
capabilities, PREA information postings and staffing was observed to be clearly sufficient to ensure a safe environment for inmates and
staff. Signs were posted in English and Spanish throughout the institution that provided PREA reporting methods, the zero tolerance
policy and other contact information. Audit notice postings with the PREA auditors’ contact information were also located in the same
areas. Informal conversations with employees and inmates regarding the PREA standards were conducted during the tour. All areas of
the facility were observed to be clean and orderly.
Fifteen randomly selected line staff were interviewed and included employees from several departments. Correctional officers and
supervisors from various shifts were included. All were very aware of the agency’s zero tolerance policy and knew of their responsibilities
to protect inmates from sexual abuse/harassment and their duties as first responders. Specialized staff were also interviewed and
included the Administrator, Assistant Superintendent/PREA Manager, the Human Resources Manager, a Major, an Investigator, a Nurse,
the Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, one Intake Staff, one Staff who performs Screening for Risk of Victimization/Abusiveness, the
Retaliation Monitor, one Volunteer and three Contractors. All employees, contractors, and volunteers interviews demonstrated a thorough
understanding and knowledge of the PREA and their responsibilities under the PREA compliance program, relative to their position in the
organization and employment status.
Fifteen randomly selected inmates were interviewed from all housing units. Two limited English proficient inmates, two disabled inmates,
three inmates who had disclosed prior victimization during risk screening and and three inmates who had self-identified as being gay were
interviewed. During the time of the audit there were no inmates who had self-identified as being transgender or intersex. There were also
no inmates who had reported sexual abuse at the facility. All of the inmates interviewed demonstrated a thorough understanding of the
PREA and the prevention, protection and reporting mechanisms and all stated they felt safe at the facility. No inmates refused to be
interviewed.
A review of the investigative files of allegations filed during the previous twelve months alleging sexual abuse or sexual harassment was
conducted. There were three allegations by inmates of inmate on inmate sexual abuse or sexual harassment. There was one allegation
by an inmate of staff on inmate sexual abuse or sexual harassment. All four were determined to be unsubstantiated. All investigations
were completed promptly, thoroughly and were well documented.
The auditor concluded, through interviews and a review of policies and documentation, that all staff and inmates were very knowledgeable
concerning their responsibilities regarding the Prison Rape Elimination Act. During the interviews, the inmates acknowledged that they
received information about the facility's zero tolerance policy against sexual abuse upon arrival and indicated that most staff were
respectful and helpful. Staff were able to describe their specific duties and responsibilities, including being a "first responder", if an
incident occurred or an allegation of sexual abuse or sexual harassment was made.