The Cumberland County Jail has earned an almost perfect accreditation score from a national standards watchdog.

The American Corrections Association audited the 19-year-old jail Tuesday and Wednesday and issued a grade of 99.85 percent, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff‘s Office.

“The staff at Cumberland County Jail work very hard, each day, under extraordinary budget constraints to maintain this level of perfection, which enhances public safety, and that of those placed in our charge,” Sheriff Kevin Joyce said in announcing the score.

The jail was the first in the state to be accredited by the ACA when it obtained the distinction in 2001. To maintain that accreditation, which among other things can help blunt litigation, the jail must have its policies and procedures audited every three years.

The jail adheres to 400 ACA standards covering policies like health care, sanitation, food service, tool and chemical controls, training and fire safety, according to the sheriff’s office.


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