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.”

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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)

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Contact Information:
National Institute for Jail Operations
Darla Gray
801-810-5245
Contact via Email
www.jailtraining.org
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office
200 East Main
Richmond, IN 47374
Telephone 765-973-9393

Online Version of Press Release:

You can read the online version of this press release at: https://www.pr.com/press-release/779637

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