American Correctional Association auditors have recommended accreditation be awarded to Richmond Correctional Institution.
Richmond Correctional is the 53rd N.C. Department of Adult Correction facility or operation that has either been recommended or awarded ACA accreditation. NCDAC is pursuing the distinction for all its facilities and operations.
ACA auditors found Richmond Correctional meets 100% of mandatory practices and 98.5% of non-mandatory practices during their intensive review, conducted Nov. 3-5. The ACA Commission on Accreditation for Corrections will vote at a future meeting on granting formal accreditation to Richmond.
"Our staff’s professionalism and dedication were instrumental in preparing for this review and for succeeding. I am proud of them," said Warden Nicole Spruell. "I also want to thank NCDAC and South Central Region leadership, as well as our agency's accreditation and compliance specialists, for all the support and guidance they've provided throughout this process."
Richmond Correctional houses more than 400 men in medium custody. Rehabilitative educational and vocational opportunities for people in custody at Richmond range from high school equivalency to trade skills such as masonry, electric, upholstery and cooking through Richmond Community College.
ACA audits of performance-based standards evaluate fundamental correctional practices that:
- ensure the safety and security of staff and people in custody
- enhance staff morale
- improve record maintenance and data management capabilities
- and improve the functioning of the facility.
As part of the accreditation process, ACA auditors spend three days conducting visual inspections, reviewing policies and procedures, and evaluating the work being done to ensure best practices are met at the prison.
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