American Correctional Association auditors have recommended accreditation be awarded to the Dan River Prison Work Farm, another step toward full accreditation of the North Carolina prison system.
“This accreditation is the gold standard in corrections, and shows the prison is operated at a high level with nationally-recognized standards,” said Department of Adult Correction Audit Administrator Paula Page, whose team of professionals assist and guide the facilities in preparing for ACA accreditation. “I am pleased the ACA auditors have recognized our commitment to excellence and the dedication of the staff.”
The ACA standards are the national benchmark for the effective operation of correctional facilities throughout the United States.
ACA auditors said the prison, located in Blanch, scored 100 percent on the audit for mandatory standards and a remarkable 99.5 percent on non-mandatory standards during their intensive inspections, Oct. 9-11.
These performance-based standards evaluate fundamental correctional practices that ensure staff and offender safety and security; enhance staff morale; improve record maintenance and data management capabilities; and improve the function of the facility.
As part of the accreditation process, the ACA auditors conducted visual inspections, reviewed policies and procedures, and probed the work being done to ensure best practices are met at the prison.
The Department of Adult Correction is pursuing accreditation for all prison facilities and Correction Enterprises operations, as envisioned in the NCDAC Strategic Plan.
“The staff are outstanding people, dedicated to their jobs and to achieving excellence,” said Warden Isaac Rogers. “I am very pleased the ACA auditors gave us these top-notch scores. I want to thank the team who worked so hard on preparing for this extensive, exhaustive audit.”