Who can conduct PREA audits?

• A. Internal staff trained in PREA.
• B. Independent PREA auditors trained and approved by the agency or accrediting body.
• C. Only law enforcement agencies.
• D. Volunteer community reviewers.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that PREA audits must be done by someone who is truly independent, has formal training in PREA standards, and is approved by the agency or an accrediting body. Independent PREA auditors are not part of the facility or its leadership, so their assessments aren’t shaped by internal pressures or conflicts of interest. Their training ensures they know how to apply the PREA criteria consistently—how to conduct interviews, review records, and observe conditions in a way that reliably determines compliance. Approval from the agency or accrediting body provides oversight and standardization, so all audits meet the same requirements and can be trusted for accountability and accreditation purposes.

Internal staff, even if trained in PREA, may still face conflicts of interest or biases that could affect objectivity. Relying solely on law enforcement agencies doesn’t guarantee independent or standardized auditing. Volunteer community reviewers typically lack formal PREA training and official approval processes, which undermines consistency and reliability.