It is the policy of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department to maintain a zero-tolerance regarding inmate-on-inmate sexual assault, staff sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and/or sexual harassment toward any inmate. Immediate action shall be taken to protect inmates who are reasonably believed to be subject to a substantial risk of imminent sexual abuse.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department shall thoroughly investigate every allegation of sexual abuse and when warranted by evidence, impose relative sanctions up to and including criminal prosecution.

Retaliatory measures against employees or inmates who report incidents of sexual abuse shall not be tolerated by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and shall result in disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution. Retaliatory measures include, but are not limited to, coercion, threats of punishment, or any other activities intended to discourage or prevent an employee or inmate from reporting the sexual abuse.

This policy applies to all inmates and persons employed by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department, including volunteers and independent contractors.