Sexual Misconduct in Prisons: Law, Remedies, and Incidence - May 2000

Changes since 1996 in state laws and agency policies and procedures regarding sexual misconduct are reported. Sexual misconduct is defined as “sexual behavior, contact, or relationships between correctional staff and inmates/offenders”. Sections cover: an introduction; legislative actions; litigation; agency strategies for addressing staff sexual misconduct such as policies, training, investigation processes, and apprising inmates of sexual misconduct issues; incidence and outcomes of sexual misconduct; respondents’ views on the problem; and concluding remarks. Overall, there has been considerable activity to address this problem.