§ 9-156.2 Mental health resources for correctional staff.
AC § 9-156.2
a. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: Commissioner. The term “commissioner” means the commissioner of correction. Sexual assault of staff. The term “sexual assault of staff” means any non-consensual physical conduct of a sexual nature by an incarcerated individual toward or against staff, including but not limited to patting, rubbing, kissing, grabbing, pinching, or touching. Sexual harassment of staff. The term “sexual harassment of staff” means any of the following acts conducted by an incarcerated individual toward or against staff: (i) verbal comments or obscene gestures of a sexual nature, including sexually suggestive remarks, jokes, innuendos or leering; (ii) intentional touching of the incarcerated individual’s own body in plain view of staff, in a manner that demonstrates it is for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, annoyance, or offense; and (iii) any act made by an incarcerated individual to request, solicit, or otherwise encourage staff to engage in sexual activity. Staff. The term “staff” means an individual, other than an incarcerated individual, who works directly for the department. b. The department shall provide to staff access to mental health resources relating to reducing stress and other adverse mental health impacts for persons working in correctional facilities. In providing such access, the department shall consider guidance and any best practices established by the national institute of corrections. Such resources shall include, but need not be limited to, confidential mental health counseling to address the impacts of sexual assault of staff and sexual harassment of staff. c. The commissioner shall provide information about the availability of such resources on the department’s website. The commissioner shall electronically communicate such information to staff, and shall post such information in conspicuous locations in facilities of the department. (L.L. 2025/023, 3/15/2025, eff. 7/13/2025)
