From Dec. 15–17, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office underwent its triennial recertification audit conducted by the American Correctional Association to ensure the county’s detention facility meets ACA-established standards. The audit was conducted by three ACA auditors: Danny Hartline, chairman; Patricia Pulver, medical auditor; and Barry Kidd, auditor.

ACA standards are designed to enhance facility operations through adherence to clear guidelines across all areas of detention operations, including safety, security, order, inmate care, programs, justice and administration.

“Our agency continues to be committed to meeting the highest standards each and every day, and earning 100% compliance in every audit since our initial certification in 2016 shows that commitment,” Sheriff Ezell Brown said. “This achievement is the result of teamwork across the entire organization. I am proud of our staff for their continued dedication to ensuring the Newton County Detention Center meets and exceeds all ACA standards and for maintaining our status as a Triple Crown agency.”

During the three-day visit, auditors evaluated the detention center’s commitment to the safety of staff, inmates and visitors. Auditors praised the condition of the detention facility during the briefing held Dec. 17 in the agency’s training room, describing it as “immaculate” and the cleanest facility they had ever visited, and noted that the detention staff was “excellent at their job” and a valuable asset to Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office.

In the final analysis, auditors evaluated 396 standards, including 60 mandatory and 336 nonmandatory standards. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office received a 100% rating across all standards, demonstrating the agency’s continued professionalism and proficiency since its previous recertification audit in 2022. The agency has received a 100% score on all standards during every audit since its initial certification in 2016.

For more information about the American Correctional Association, visit aca.org.