ECSD receives highest marks ever from American Correctional Association

ACA

Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger is pleased to announce the Essex County Sheriff’s Department has received its highest score ever from the American Correctional Association (ACA) during a recent re-accreditation audit.  

The Middleton correctional facility received a score of 100 percent for its mandatory standards, and a 98.9 percent for its non-mandatory standards. These ratings are the highest scores ever achieved by the Department since becoming accredited in January of 2000. The ACA is a private, non-profit, non-governmental trade association and accreditation body for the corrections industry, the oldest and largest such organization in the world.

“These high marks demonstrate the commitment, dedication, and professionalism of every person who works within the Essex County Sheriff’s Department,” Sheriff Coppinger said. “It is a formal recognition of the work we do to provide safe and secure facilities for all who live and work here. I could not be prouder of my employees and the service they provide to the good people of Essex County.”

The ACA Accreditation Team examined each Middleton housing unit, as well its medical facilities, intake unit, warehouse, and its security protocols and policies. The team also reviewed the Department’s medical and mental health services, as well as its educational, religious, and recreational programming. According to the ACA, “accreditation is intended to improve facility operations through adherence to clear standards relevant to all areas/operations of the facility, including safety, security, order, inmate care, programs, justice and administration.” 

“Once again, we have shown that the Essex County Sheriff’s Department sets a high bar for ourselves and the people we serve,” Sheriff Coppinger said. “Our mission is inmate care and security, and the safety of all who work in our facilities.”