Western Kentucky Correctional Complex (WKCC) in Fredonia received a perfect score on its recent accreditation audit with the American Correctional Association (ACA). This is the prison’s 11th accreditation audit and its fifth consecutive perfect score. This audit was for initial accreditation due to WKCC’s population going from female-only to a both male and female institution since its last re-accreditation audit in 2015.
WKCC is a medium-security institution that houses approximately 670 inmates.
“I am very proud of the staff at the Western Kentucky Correctional Complex,” said Commissioner James Erwin. “To continually achieve a perfect score takes a great deal of time and effort. It requires a lot of hard work on a daily basis to consistently maintain this very high level of performance.”
In announcing the scores, audit chairperson Robert Murphy was especially complimentary of the cleanliness of the institution and the spirit of collaboration amongst staff.
“Our overall impression is this is a very safe facility, very sanitary environment, the conditions are very good,” said Murphy. “Considering the age of the facility, it is still in great shape. Security and internal control are good, great accountability. We are certainly impressed with unit management, the medical facilities, food service, chaplaincy, and the very caring, compassionate staff.”
“One thing that struck us is the camaraderie the staff have with one another,” the Massachusetts corrections professional added. The other auditors, Pearl Wilkins from Florida and Brian Neagle from New York, echoed these sentiments as well.
WKCC Warden Tim Lane praised his staff for the accomplishment. “WKCC has received its fifth consecutive perfect audit score,” said Lane. “Without the excellent staff and the outstanding effort and teamwork within our institution, it would not have been possible.”
ACA accreditation consists of approximately 525 standards that cover security, operational and programming aspects of the prison. Each of Kentucky’s prisons are audited by ACA every three years and have a program security review every year. Kentucky has been a member of ACA since the early 1980s.