Kentucky Corrections Commissioner Kathleen Kenney today announced that the agency’s Central Office and Kentucky Correctional Industries (KCI) each received 100% scores on their re-accreditation audits from the American Correctional Association (ACA).
Auditors toured KCI operations and Central Office over a four-day period, interacting with staff and inmates and closely scrutinizing a large amount of documents. They praised the level of professionalism and expertise demonstrated by DOC staff.
“What a wonderful group you have,” said Audit Chair Bonnie O’Brien, a retired Corrections professional from New York. “It was so apparent, from the top post down, that everyone is proud of their job and has a clear understanding of what’s happening.”
Kenney noted the re-accreditation audit was perfect timing since she is new to the post.
“I had the opportunity to hear from so many of you and learned so much in the process,” said Kenney. “Let me just say, you guys rock! Accreditation is extremely important and to achieve these scores is outstanding.”
The second auditor was Noman Rose who retired from the Ohio Department of Correction. He encouraged staff not to lose sight of the importance of their job.
“You work in a very stressful job and are dealing with one of society’s most important social issues,” said Rose.
Both re-accreditation audits were a multi-faceted examination of every aspect of the operation. They included performance-based standards that covered an array of topics including safety, security, expectations of inmates’ behavior, inmate programs and educational opportunities, and administration and management. Re-accreditation audits occur every three years and there are inter-departmental audits every year.