Reporting Sexual Misconduct

Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA)

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 is a federal law established to address the elimination of sexual assault and rape in correctional systems. PREA applies to all federal, state and local prisons, jails, police lock-ups, private facilities and community settings such as residential facilities. PREA gives correctional facilities standards to prevent, detect, monitor and respond to reported acts of sexual abuse of detained and incarcerated persons.

Zero-Tolerance for Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment & Sexual Misconduct

The Lake County Sheriff's Office has a zero-tolerance policy towards the sexual assault, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment of those in our custody. Those contracted, employed by, or volunteering for the Sheriff's Office will adhere to this zero-tolerance policy. The Lake County Sheriff's Office will comply with PREA standards in their entirety and implement the appropriate procedures for prevention, intervention, and treatment for all victims of sexual abuse. PREA covers all types of sexual abuse and assault and all reports will be taken with the same level of seriousness and thoroughly investigated.

Reporting a Sexual Assault

All staff members have been trained on how to properly and professionally investigate and report claims and allegations of sexual abuse. The claim or allegation does not have to come from the inmate; it may come from the members of the public such as a friend, family member or loved one and can remain anonymous. If you know of an incident of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct of a person in custody, or if you wish to file a third-party complaint of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct on behalf of an inmate, you may report it to the Lake County Sheriff's Office by using the following methods:

Inmate Reporting

  • In person at the Lake County Jail - reporting can be done verbally or in writing to any Sheriff's Office staff member
  • Phone call (anonymous if preferred) to Lake Family Resource Center at 888-485-7733
  • Writing a letter addressed to the Facility Captain or Watch Commander - the letter can remain confidential if requested
  • Inmates can report misconduct to a neutral third party through the Lake Family Resource Center

Third Party Reporting

  • In person at the Lake County Jail
  • Phone call (anonymous if preferred) to Lake Family Resource Center at 888-485-7733