American Correctional Association auditors have recommended accreditation be awarded to the Department of Adult Correction headquarters operations and its statewide probation and parole system.
“The auditors have confirmed we are running top-notch operations with a dedication to detail, a culture of excellence and a staff devoted to public service,” said Secretary Todd Ishee. “My goal is to have all parts of our agency accredited and I am quite pleased with our progress.”
The auditors issued high scores to the Department of Adult Correction headquarters operations, which includes prison administration: 100 percent on mandatory standards and 99.29 percent on non-mandatory standards during their inspections this week.
ACA auditors said the Community Supervision system that spans the state scored 100 percent on the audit for mandatory standards and an amazing 100 percent on non-mandatory standards during their intensive inspections this week.
“This is great news and a remarkable accomplishment,” said Tracy Lee, deputy secretary of Community Supervision, which supervises more than 84,000 offenders on probation, parole or post-release supervision. “These scores illustrate the professionalism and overall excellence of the staff who work day and night on their missions to protect the public.”
These performance-based ACA standards evaluate fundamental correctional practices that ensure staff and offender safety and security; enhance staff morale; improve record maintenance and data management capabilities; and improve the function of the agency.
As part of the accreditation process, the ACA auditors conducted visual inspections, reviewed policies and procedures, and probed the work being done to ensure best practices are met.
The department is pursuing accreditation for all parts of the agency, as envisioned in the NCDAC Strategic Plan. So far, the ACA has awarded accreditation to 11 prisons, three Correction Enterprises facilities, the Correction Enterprises headquarters, and the prison system headquarters. ACA auditors also have recommended accreditation be awarded to eight other prisons. The ACA Commission on Accreditation for Corrections will vote to formally grant recommended accreditations at a future meeting.