Detention Center Receives National Accreditation

COLUMBIA, SC – The Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) received national accreditation by the American Correctional Association (ACA) following a review of its jail operations for 2013.

ASGDC Director Ronaldo Myers appeared before the ACA’s Commission on Accreditation for Corrections (CAC) in May. ASGDC met 100 percent of the 69 mandatory standards required by the ACA and 96.3 percent of the 300 non-mandatory standards.  (To receive accreditation, 100 percent of all mandatory standards and 90 percent of non-mandatory standards had to be met.)

“To know that you, your staff and other officials are complying with the requirements of the accreditation process is indeed a statement of a high level of commitment to the staff and persons under your care,” stated a congratulatory letter from the ACA to Myers announcing its Certificate of Accreditation from the CAC.

ACA standards are the national benchmark for effective operation of correctional systems throughout the United States and are necessary to ensure that correctional facilities are operated professionally. They address services, programs and operations essential to good correctional management, including administrative and fiscal controls, staff training and development, physical plant, safety and emergency procedures, sanitation, rules and discipline and food service. Standards reflect practical, up-to-date policies and procedures that safeguard the life, health and safety of staff and inmates.

The Commission on Accreditation for Corrections is a private, nonprofit body that is comprised of corrections professionals from across the country. Its composition ensures that the Commission is completely independent and impartial. The main responsibility of this board is to conduct the accreditation hearings to verify that those agencies applying for accreditation comply with the applicable standards.