Jail Achieves National Accreditation in Alabama

Columbiana, AL, October 03, 2017 --(PR.com)-- On October 1, 2017, Shelby County Sheriff's Office
(SCSO) became the first jail in Alabama to undergo and successfully meet Accreditation requirements
through the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO).

The NIJO accreditation process requires agencies pursing accreditation to provide policies and
documented proofs of compliance to ascertain their policies meet requirements of the law and that they
are being practiced and followed. There were 588 applicable legal based guidelines, specific to
correctional case law governing the state of Alabama, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Supreme Court
rulings and federal acts and regulations applicable to Shelby County Jail. After extensive review of
policies and a thorough onsite verification inspection was conducted, the jail received a Level I
Accreditation, the highest achievable rating.

Sheriff John Samaniego expressed, I commend the command staff and supervisors who participated in
this undertaking. I am very proud of all the men and women who make our Jail the best in the State of
Alabama. The dedication and hard work by not only the command staff and supervisors but all the men
and women who showed immense pride in their respective jobs achieving the top rating in this
accreditation.

Keeping policies and procedures up to date with current case law is challenging and demands an
administration to consistently maintain a high, professional level of operations. SCSO support and
commitment to operating the facility within compliance requirements of the legal based guidelines has
enhanced jail operations, increased professionalism and proactively served to protect against liability and
other risk management issues.

Captain Jay Fondren, Corrections Division Commander was present during the onsite inspection. He
confirmed, The NIJO accreditation process was demanding, but well worth the time and effort invested.
Throughout the accreditation process, our employees gained a new appreciation of our policies and
procedures through their detailed analysis. The end result is that our jail is now grounded on policies
backed by legal based standards.

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.

Tate McCotter, NIJO Executive Director was present to observe the onsite verification inspection. He
explained 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 updating policies and procedures, looking for ways that safety and
security might be compromised. That is exactly what the accreditation process accomplishes. SCSO did a
remarkable job by proactively discovering and addressing potential liability and risk management issues.

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McCotter commented, When done with transparency and based on legal-based principles, accreditation
benefits the jail staff, the inmates and the entire public. For most counties, the jail is the largest liability in
county government and the process itself becomes a significant risk management and liability defense.

In order to maintain accreditation status, the jail must provide annual proofs of compliance and policy
revisions for two additional years. The cycle is repeated every three years to maintain consistency and
verify compliance.

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Contact Information:
National Institute for Jail Operations
Darla Gray
801-810-5245
Contact via Email
www.jailtraining.org
Shelby County Sheriffs Office
Sheriff John Samaniego
380 McDow Road
Columbiana, AL 35051
Telephone 205-669-4181

Online Version of Press Release:

You can read the online version of this press release at: http://www.pr.com/press-release/731652

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