Westchester County Department of Correction Successfully Completes Prison Rape Eliminations Act (PREA) Audit
The Westchester County Department of Correction (WCDOC) has successfully completed a comprehensive two-day audit under the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). PREA applies to all confinement facilities including jails and prisons, and was created to address a serious issue – sexual abuse and sexual harassment in a correctional setting. The successful audit reaffirms the Department’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, secure and respectful environment for individuals in its care and for staff, and WCDOC was the first County jail in New York State to achieve PREA compliance, meeting and exceeding U.S. Department of Justice federal standards.
The audit assessed the Department’s compliance with national PREA standards, and the review included an evaluation of policies and procedures, staff training, reporting mechanisms, investigative practices and interviews with both staff and incarcerated individuals.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “This successful audit reflects the professionalism, dedication and vigilance of our Department of Correction workforce. PREA compliance is not simply about meeting standards—it is about fostering a culture of zero tolerance for sexual abuse and ensuring the safety and dignity of everyone within our correctional facilities. I commend Commissioner Spano, his leadership team, and the entire Westchester County Department of Correction workforce for their efforts in achieving PREA recertification. Congratulations on this significant accomplishment.”
Commissioner of Correction Joseph K. Spano said: “The successful PREA audit confirms that our agency has implemented strong safeguards, effective reporting processes, and responsive investigative protocols in full accordance with federal requirements. During the exit interview, PREA auditors commended our workforce, citing the professionalism and operational knowledge demonstrated throughout the two-day evaluation process. This important recertification, combined with our national accreditations from the American Correctional Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, reinforces that our agency operates under some of the most stringent custodial and medical standards in the country. These standards significantly reduce operational risk and promote a safe, humane correctional environment. We remain committed to building upon these efforts through continued training, policy review, and ongoing monitoring to ensure sustained compliance and continuous improvement.”
The Westchester County Department of Correction maintains the distinction of being the only large local jail in New York State accredited by both the American Correctional Association (ACA) and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).