What should PREA audits verify regarding staff training?

• A. That training records exist, are current, and reflect required competencies
• B. That training occurred but records are not needed
• C. Training is optional for staff with limited contact with inmates
• D. Only security staff require PREA training

Answer: (A)

PREA audits place emphasis on documented staff preparation and its effectiveness. The best choice says that audits verify training records exist, are current, and reflect the required competencies. This means facilities must keep formal records showing who was trained, what topics were covered, when the training occurred, and that the training aligns with the competencies PREA requires (such as recognizing and reporting abuse, responding appropriately, and understanding policies). Having up-to-date records demonstrates that staff actually received the mandated instruction and possesses the knowledge and skills to protect inmates and handle disclosures properly.

If training records aren’t present or up-to-date, or if records don’t show the expected competencies, the facility would not be able to prove compliance during an audit. The other options undermine PREA’s accountability framework: training is not optional, records are essential, and all staff who may have contact with inmates—not just security staff—need PREA training.