Nine Florida correctional institutions earn reaccreditation

FLORIDA — Nine Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) correctional institutions have earned reaccreditation by the American Correctional Association (ACA).

Over the last year, ACA audit teams from across the country visited Walton, Okaloosa, Avon Park, Desoto, Lake, Hernando, Dade, Homestead, and Tomoka correctional institutions to conduct comprehensive on-site audits of all aspects of prison operations. Each of the institutions was 100 percent compliant with mandatory standards, the FDC said.

According to the FDC, the standards created and refined by the ACA represent fundamental practices that ensure staff and inmate safety and security; enhance staff morale; improve record maintenance and data management capabilities; and improve the function of the facility or agency at all levels.

“It brings me great pride to recognize our staff’s daily pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to sustaining our reputation as a national leader in correctional practices,” said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon.

“Achieving ACA accreditation is a meaningful opportunity to showcase our efforts, build on our strong foundation, and sustain our steadfast commitment to upholding public safety. I want to express my gratitude to our leaders across the state who remain dedicated to our critical mission.”

For more than 149 years, the ACA has been the recognized worldwide authority in corrections, and its Commission on Accreditation for Corrections certifies correctional facilities. FDC began the process of seeking nationally recognized accreditation from the ACA in 1968.

Each of Florida’s major state institutions is accredited by the ACA.

Learn more about accreditation through the American Correctional Association.