The Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio again received recommendations for accreditation by auditors of the American Correction Association (ACA) on Wednesday following a recent three-day intense audit.

     Jim Dennis, CCNO Executive Director, said acquiring ACA accreditation allows CCNO to achieve the highest standards in the country and in the field of corrections.  ACA standards require high levels of sanitation, security, staff operations, and offender programs.  He said auditors visited all three shifts, questioning both staff and offenders, who were open and consistent in responding to the auditors’ questions.

     CCNO was the first regional jail and the fourth jail overall in the State of Ohio to gain ACA accreditation in April 2005.  An audit is conducted every three years to maintain accreditation.

     CCNO complied with 100 percent of the 60 mandatory standards.  Auditors said an excellent job was achieved in meeting all mandatory standards.  Of the 323 non-mandatory standards also reviewed, 16 did not apply to CCNO.  CCNO met 304 non-mandatory standards, achieving a high rating of 99 percent.

      With the high scores achieved, auditors said that put CCNO in the top percentile of ACA reaccredited jails, an elite group.  Final reaccreditation rests with the ACA Commission that will meet in April to confirm the findings of the audit team.

     Kelly Ward of Louisiana, chairman of the three-person auditing team, described CCNO as a clean, well maintained and well managed facility.  Mr. Ward is a former warden and parole board member.  He said the strength of the CCNO organization is its staff that are well trained, motivated and committed to excellence.  He noted the crown jewel of the facility is its programs and services offered to the offenders which are unique and innovative as shown by the caring volunteers, staff and contract staff.  He also commended the cooperation shown between area sheriffs and judges who work together to enhance the facility.