The Essex County Sheriff’s Department received its highest score ever from the American Correctional Association during a recent re-accreditation audit, the department announced last week.
The Middleton Correctional Facility received a score of 100 percent for its mandatory standards, and a 98.9 percent for its non-mandatory standards, the highest rating it has received since becoming accredited in 2000, Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said in a statement.
“These high marks demonstrate the commitment, dedication, and professionalism of every person who works within the Essex County Sheriff’s Department,” Coppinger said.
The ACA Accreditation Team examined each Middleton housing unit, its medical facilities, intake unit, warehouse, and its security protocols and policies. The team also reviewed the department’s medical and mental health services, and its educational, religious, and recreational programming.
“Accreditation is intended to improve facility operation through adherence to clear standards relevant to all areas and operations of the facility,” according to the ACA. “Safety, security order, inmate care, programs, justice and administration also included.”
These high ratings fulfill the department’s mission that inmate care, security and safety is a priority for all who work within their facilities.
“Once again, we have shown that the Essex County Sheriff’s Department sets a high bar for ourselves and the people we serve,” said Coppinger.
Magella Cantara can be reached at [email protected].
