Jail Achieves Level I National Accreditation Recognition

Richmond, IN, March 13, 2019 --(PR.com)-- On December 12, 2018, the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) completed an intensive audit and review for The Wayne County Jail Detention Center (WCSO). The purpose of the audit was to verify continued commitment to the high standards of operations necessary to maintain national accreditation status. The facility has maintained a Level 1 status, worthy of the highest NIJO accreditation level.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office became the first jail in Indiana to undergo and successfully meet national accreditation requirements through NIJO in 2016. Sustaining high operational levels necessary for NIJO accreditation is challenging and demands focus and attention.

“Accreditation provided by NIJO is a voluntary evaluation process that participating jails undergo in order to maintain legal based standards for correctional institutions,” stated Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter. “These standards provide the best possible guidance to our agency to help facilitate the best possible service to our correctional community. And not only does it provide proper direction, but it also holds our agency accountable to those proven practices in order to maintain an accredited status. By participating in and maintaining this accreditation we are able to provide exceptional correctional services that I am proud of and are recognized throughout our state.”

Captain Andy Abney-Brotz also emphasized how the accreditation process has benefited staff working in the jail and the inmates.

“The NIJO accreditation means the utmost protection for our staff. Our staff are professionals and having a professional accreditation means situations are handled at the highest level. We maintain integrity through policy review and sound practices.”

Historical statistics show counties that actively participate with the NIJO Legal-Based Jail Guidelines accompanied with the inspection or accreditation program account for 28% - 33% of jail liability losses, compared to the national average of 71%, a significant decrease and savings for those participating counties.

Lt. Travis Isaacs, who served as the Accreditation manager throughout the process, also reiterated the significance of this achievement. “The fact that we are moving into Year 3 of our accreditation shows the continued professionalism of our staff and the value that accreditation brings to the agency. Accreditation at the scale that NIJO offers it, with 600 standards, covers all aspects of our jail operation and offers tremendous protection to our officers and support staff.”

“For most counties, the jail is the largest liability in county government and the process itself becomes a significant risk management and liability defense,” stated Tate McCotter, NIJO Executive Director. “Accreditation benefits the jail staff, the inmates and the entire public. We commend Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for their sustained efforts to run a constitutionally safe facility.”

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. (www.jailtraining.org)