What does a zero-tolerance policy require of a facility?

• A. A policy that prohibits all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment and requires prompt, appropriate responses to any allegations.
• B. A policy that prohibits staff interactions with inmates.
• C. A policy that allows reporting but not investigating.
• D. A policy that mandates punishment without investigation.

Answer: (A)

Zero-tolerance in a facility means there is no tolerated form of sexual abuse or sexual harassment, and any allegation must be met with prompt and appropriate action. The policy needs to clearly prohibit all such conduct and require immediate reporting, thorough investigation, and accountability for those responsible. It also supports protecting the reporting individual from retaliation and applying corrective or disciplinary measures as needed, consistent with PREA standards. This combination—prohibition of abuse/harassment plus timely response to every allegation—best reflects the stance of zero-tolerance.

Why the other descriptions don’t fit: one would imply restricting staff interactions with inmates beyond what PREA and safety require, which isn’t what zero-tolerance entails. Another suggests reporting without investigation, which would leave allegations unaddressed and accountability incomplete. The last implies punishment without any investigation, ignoring due process and the need for a proper, thorough review.