PREA Policy

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

The Prison Rape Elimination Act, or PREA, is a federal law enacted in 2003. In accordance with PREA, National Standards for Adult Prison and Jails have been issued for the prevention detection, reduction and elimination of sexual abuse and sexual harassment of inmates.

The Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) fully supports PREA and the National Standards by enforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy concerning Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment in its facilities. The BCSO’s Zero Tolerance Policy applies to every employee, contractor, volunteer, visitor, and every person under our correctional supervision.

Report any assault or harassment that is sexual in nature by:

  • Speaking in person or via telephone with Shift Commander (413) 443-7220 extension 1175 (ask for the Shift Commander);
  • Calling our PREA Coordinator Daniel Sheridan (413) 433-7220 extension 1402; or
  • Writing to Sheriff Bowler, 467 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Any reports will be kept as confidential as the circumstance allows.

Pursuant to PREA National Standards Section 115.89 (b), the BCSO hereby provides the aggregated sexual abuse data relative to its facility. The links below will display the data for the previous calendar year: