The American Correctional Association (ACA) presented the Sheriff’s Office with an official Certificate of Accreditation during its recent winter conference. Chief Deputy Candra Callicott and Captain Lynn Oliver accepted the award following a panel review with Commission members on January 11, 2020.

The ACA accreditation focuses on all phases of jail operations, including administration and management, physical plant, institutional operations and services, and inmate programs. Alexandria received 100 percent approval on each of the applicable mandatory standards, according to the assessment team which conducted its on-site audit in September 2019.

The team of auditors was very complimentary of Sheriff’s Office staff and specifically noted their professionalism, appearance, knowledge, training and camaraderie. The auditors also found that inmates felt safe and respected by staff.

With this accreditation from ACA, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office maintains its “Triple Crown Award” from the National Sheriffs’ Association for achieving simultaneous accreditation from the ACA, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Department of Corrections have also certified the Detention Center.

The Alexandria Adult Detention Center has been accredited through ACA since 1989.

Photo: In the center and holding the accreditation certificate, Captain Lynn Oliver (l) and Chief Deputy Candra Callicott (r) are joined by officials representing the American Correctional Association.