Who typically conducts PREA investigations?

• A. Facility investigators trained in PREA procedures, often with coordination with internal officials and, when needed, law enforcement.
• B. External contractors who are not trained in PREA.
• C. Only law enforcement agencies.
• D. Volunteers with no formal PREA training.

Answer: (A)

Investigations under PREA are conducted by facility staff who are specifically trained in PREA procedures. This ensures the investigation follows standardized methods, preserves evidence, protects victim safety and confidentiality, and documents the process consistently. Typically, these investigators work with internal officials to coordinate the inquiry and, when there are potential criminal elements or agency requirements, involve law enforcement to handle criminal aspects.

External contractors who are not trained in PREA would not meet the established standards for conducting such investigations, so they’re not appropriate as the primary investigators. Relying only on law enforcement could bypass the facility’s internal PREA processes, and volunteers with no formal PREA training wouldn’t have the necessary qualifications to carry out a thorough, compliant investigation.