PCSO Jail Becomes First to be Reaccredited Nationally

Florence, AZ, February 25, 2016 --(PR.com)-- The National Institute for Jail Operations formally announced today that Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has become the first jail in the nation to undergo and successfully meet its jail reaccreditation requirements.

Pinal County Detention Center was among the first in the United States to achieve NIJO Accreditation in 2012. Over 600 guidelines based on current case law specific to Arizona were used as the baseline compliance measurement. As part of the process, they were required to pass an extensive onsite inspection, provide policies and other proofs of documentation and submit ongoing compliance documentation for two additional years. The cycle is repeated every three years to maintain consistency and verify compliance.

NIJO inspectors arrived to inspect the detention center for reaccreditation in December 2015, meeting with administrative staff, midlevel supervisors and line level officers throughout the facility. They also conducted a thorough examination of the physical facility including the housing units, support areas and perimeter.

The onsite verification extended over a two day period over all shifts. Prior to the onsite inspection, NIJO inspectors reviewed applicable policies and procedures over a three week period to ensure compliance to the legal-based guidelines.

Tate McCotter, Executive Director for the National Institute for Jail Operations explained the significance of Pinal County Sheriff’s Office achieving reaccreditation.

“There are few professions which are as volatile and subject to change as corrections. In order to be compliant with the law and run a constitutionally safe facility, jail administrators must be proactive and stay ahead of the curve, constantly looking for ways that safety and security might be compromised. That is exactly what the accreditation process accomplishes. PCSO did a remarkable job of maintaining that consistency.”

The accreditation process provides a way for administrators to discover and verify that policies, procedures, operations and training are in accordance with the law and the legal-based guidelines. Continuing that same operational level of accreditation for the entire three year cycle is challenging and demands focus and attention, making it very difficult to achieve.

Sheriff Paul Babeu stated “Our administration has committed to operating the facility within compliance requirements of the legal based guidelines. It has enhanced our facility’s operation, increased professionalism and proactively served to protect against liability and other risk management issues. We are proud to be the first to accomplish this and credit goes to the officers that work the jail with little or no recognition.”

Historical statistics show counties that actively participate with the NIJO Legal-Based Jail Guidelines accompanied with the inspection or accreditation program account for 32% of jail liability losses, compared to the national average of 71%, a significant decrease and savings for those participating counties.

About NIJO

The National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) was formed as the primary resource dedicated to serve those that operate jails, detention and correctional facilities. Recognizing the enormous liability an increasing litigation facing administrators, NIJO provides a compilation of legal-based resources and information for agencies to make facilities safer and more secure, proactively defend against frivolous litigation and protect against adverse publicity and liability.