Sheriff's Office

Kent County Correctional Facility

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

The Kent County Correctional Facility has a zero tolerance policy toward all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in our facilities, under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) 2003. We will enforce all federal, state and local laws pertaining to the sexual assault, abuse and harassment of inmates. All reports will be fully investigated, which includes both allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment, by the Kent County Correctional Facility and the Kent County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau.

Under PREA, we have established uniform methods for prompt reporting and investigation of allegations of sex-related offenses or threats, identification of predators, protection of victims, and prescribing sanctions for substantiated sexual offenses, as well as false allegations. This standard is directed to all sexual acts relating to:  inmate to inmate and staff to inmate. 

If you suspect that an inmate is the victim of sexual assault/harassment, it can be reported in one of the following ways:

  1. Contact the Kent County Correctional Facility Administration Office during regular business hours at (616) 632-6401 and you will be directed to someone who can take the information.
  2. Call Inmate Information and request to speak with a Shift Supervisor to make a report at (616) 632-6301 (available 24 hours/day)
  3. Call Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345 or Toll Free at (866) 774-2345 with the option to remain anonymous.