NHDOC's Statement Following Jane Doe Lawsuits and Allegations of Misconduct

The New Hampshire Department of Corrections does not comment on personnel matters and is represented by the New Hampshire Department of Justice in legal matters. All questions related to litigation should be referred to the Department of Justice.

The Department of Corrections maintains a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of sexual abuse, sexual battery and sexual harassment that not only applies to residents, but also to staff, contractors, and volunteers. All allegations of misconduct are taken with the seriousness that they deserve and are thoroughly investigated by a highly trained team of investigators. When warranted, swift action is taken by the department to address all founded matters of misconduct, including but not limited to sexual abuse, battery, and harassment, and is done so in consultation with the NH Department of Justice.

All staff members, contractors, and volunteers receive annual training on their duties and responsibilities under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and the Department’s zero-tolerance policy. All staff members, contractors and volunteers are informed that they are required by law to report any incident or allegation of sexual abuse, battery, or harassment immediately.

All residents receive PREA training when they arrive at a NHDOC facility, and any time they return after being outside of a NHDOC facility for more than 24-hours. Additionally, PREA resources and videos are available on resident tablets along with awareness posters published throughout all NHDOC facilities.

NHDOC facilities are audited in accordance with PREA standards, and those audit reports are published on the NHDOC website, including further PREA resources. https://www.corrections.nh.gov/resources/prea