What are the key features of PREA audits?

• A. Independent, unannounced on-site reviews conducted to verify compliance with PREA standards and identify gaps.
• B. Audits conducted by external volunteers without training.
• C. Internal reviews on a fixed schedule.
• D. Audit reports are optional.

Answer: (A)

PREA audits are about independent verification of a facility’s adherence to PREA standards, done through unannounced on-site reviews by trained, external auditors. This setup ensures the assessment reflects real conditions rather than what might be reported or staged, because auditors arrive without advance notice and can observe day-to-day operations, procedures, and environment. The independence of the reviewers matters: they aren’t drawn from inside the facility, which helps provide an objective appraisal and credible findings. As they conduct the review, they look for gaps or areas where the standards aren’t met and document these in a formal audit report that includes corrective actions the facility must implement. This combination—independence, unannounced timing, on-site inspection, and a formal, actionable report—captures what PREA audits are designed to do. The other options miss essential elements: they rely on untrained volunteers, internal or scheduled reviews, or treat audit results as optional, none of which align with the purpose and rigor of PREA audits.