Which statement reflects PREA's approach to training for non-staff personnel?

• A. They do not require PREA training.
• B. They must complete training only after an incident occurs.
• C. They should develop their own training programs independently.
• D. Training for contractors and volunteers must be comparable to staff and include reporting and cooperation with investigations.

Answer: (D)

PREA requires that training for contractors, volunteers, and other non-staff personnel be as thorough as the training given to staff, and it must include clear duties to report any incidents and to cooperate with investigations. This ensures everyone who interacts with residents understands the facility’s zero-tolerance stance, knows how to recognize warning signs, and understands the proper reporting and investigative process.

Why this is the best fit: it creates a consistent safety standard across all people who may come into contact with residents, reducing gaps in awareness and accountability. Training that’s not as thorough for non-staff or that only occurs after an incident would miss preventive opportunities and undermine the integrity of investigations. Allowing non-staff to develop their own training would likely lead to inconsistent practices and weaker reporting obligations.