WASHINGTON, D.C. (WOKI) — President Donald Trump has signed into law bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee aimed at addressing sexual harassment and sexual assault of Federal Bureau of Prisons employees by inmates.
The new law, known as the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, is intended to strengthen protections for correctional officers and other federal prison employees while increasing accountability within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Blackburn praised the measure’s enactment, saying no law enforcement officer should fear for their safety while performing their duties.
“No law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work,” Blackburn said. “I am pleased the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, which will help us end the appalling sexual abuse of prison staff by inmates, has been signed into law by President Trump.”
The legislation was co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia. Representative Laurel Lee of Florida sponsored companion legislation in the U.S. House.
According to a February 2023 report from the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, approximately 40 percent of 7,000 surveyed Bureau of Prisons employees reported experiencing sexual harassment or sexual assault by an inmate. The report also cited significant concerns about reporting procedures and institutional accountability.
The issue drew particular attention at the United States Penitentiary Thomson in Illinois, where more than 300 inmate-on-staff sexual harassment incidents were reported in a single year despite the facility housing fewer than 900 inmates.
Under the new law, the Bureau of Prisons will be required to fully implement recommendations outlined in the Inspector General’s 2023 report regarding inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and assault. The legislation also directs the Inspector General to analyze disciplinary actions and punishments related to such offenses within federal prisons.
Additionally, the law requires the U.S. Attorney General to establish national standards focused on preventing, reducing, and punishing sexual harassment and sexual assault committed against Bureau of Prisons staff by inmates.
The legislation received support from several law enforcement and corrections organizations, including the American Correctional Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Council of Prison Locals 33.
Supporters say the measure will improve workplace safety for correctional officers and help ensure stronger protections for employees working in federal correctional facilities nationwide.
