When should law enforcement be notified?

• A. Never notify law enforcement during PREA investigations.
• B. Only if the victim requests.
• C. If a crime may have occurred or required by policy, to coordinate investigations and preserve evidence.
• D. Notify law enforcement on a random schedule.

Answer: (C)

Notifying law enforcement is part of handling possible criminal activity under PREA. The best practice is to alert law enforcement when there is a reasonable belief that a crime may have occurred or when policy requires it. This ensures the investigation can proceed promptly and that evidence is preserved and handled properly, including securing the scene, maintaining chain of custody for forensic evidence, and coordinating interviews and witness collection. Waiting for a victim’s request or notifying on a random schedule can delay the investigation and risk evidence being lost or tainted. So, notify when a crime may have occurred or when policy requires it, to support a thorough, coordinated investigation and protect evidence.