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Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott receives ACA accreditation in Nashville, TN on Friday, Aug. 16 2024
Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott had yet another announcement for the week, namely that the agency has once again been recognized nationally and has received accreditation by the American Correctional Association for its ongoing efforts to effectively serve the public safety needs of Norfolk County, while prioritizing professionalism, and accountability in the daily operation of its Correctional Center.
An audit by the three members of the ACA, conducted June 5-7, 2024, found the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office and its Correctional Center in 100% compliance with nearly 60 mandatory and 300 non-mandatory standards used by the association to evaluate the agency’s day-to-day performance. A similar audit in 2021 resulted in the same perfect findings, marking two consecutive successful ACA reviews of the facility and its highly trained and dedicated staff.
“This recognition by the ACA is significant. Auditors dig into all aspects of the custody and care of individuals in our correctional center,” said Sheriff McDermott. “I am so proud of the NCSO team and I commend everyone whose commitment is reflected in this accreditation, from our corrections officers, to our medical staff, case workers, program administrators, our facilities team, and so many other professionals.”
Areas of the auditors’ focus included security, medical care, environmental conditions, social services, staffing, mental health services, fire safety, work and academic programs, sanitation, food services, and recreation.
Auditors interviewed and spoke with 48 justice involved individuals and 60 staff members during their three day review, from all areas of the facility.
“All comments from the offender population were of a very positive nature. Offenders felt that they were treated respectfully and professionally by facility staff,” according to the auditors’ report. “The audit team members felt that all staff at the NCSO were very professional in the conduct of their duties.”
The Correctional Center is located at 200 West Street, Dedham in the middle of two sides of Route 128 and consists of the main facility, for pre-trial and sentenced offenders, and the Dedham Alternative Center.
