WASHINGTON – Following a deeply unsatisfactory response from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) letter urging action to curb sexual misconduct and staffing shortages agency-wide, Ernst is doubling down on her demand for answers and accountability.
USP Thomson, a federal prison located just over the Iowa border in Illinois, is well known for rampant sexual assault and misconduct by inmates directed at employees. In 2022, there were more than 275 reports of sexual misconduct towards staff, and many female officers reported their resignations were a direct result of the sexual misconduct endured while on the job.
In a letter to BOP Director Colette Peters, Ernst writes: “Last year, my letter sought numerous answers regarding your bureau’s plan to properly respond to the ongoing criminal activity occurring at USP Thomson. As you’ll recall, the prisoners at USP Thomson were, for years, routinely perpetrating acts of sexual misconduct toward staff just trying to do their jobs. The inmates’ activity was met with an inconsistent and inadequate response from the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) leadership both at the facility and the system more broadly.”
“BOP staff at USP Thomson and across the country deserve a workplace free from sexual harassment. These attacks are serious, and no individual should be forced to endure this behavior. I am dismayed by BOP’s slow response to this situation and apparent lack of corrective action in preparation for future similar situations.”
“The change in mission at USP Thomson does not address the concerns of inadequate response to sexual misconduct on behalf of BOP leadership. The current and former staff of USP Thomson—particularly the female staff—have been neglected long enough. BOP employees across the country deserve a workplace free from sexual misconduct. Relocating inmates does nothing to ensure they receive one.”
Background:
In addition to her December 2022 letter calling for a timeline to solve the problem and reduce the number of incidents, Senator Ernst’s office has been in contact with BOP and has asked for a plan of action to move forward with adequate staffing levels and policies to protect the safety of both staff and inmates.
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