Essex County Jail Earns Accredidation

The Essex County Correctional Facility has earned its first-ever accreditation from the American Correctional Association, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo said.

The Essex County Correctional Facility scored a 95 percent rating to receive the three-year accreditation from the ACA, which accredits correctional facilities across the United States.

“Receiving ACA accreditation was a long-term goal that we’ve had since our correctional facility opened in 2004. Completing the construction and getting out from under a federal consent order enabled us to begin a new chapter in our history, and the accreditation demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a model institution that is safe and secure,” DiVincenzo said. “I’d like to thank the officers and staff at the correctional facility for their dedication to achieving accreditation, but also the professionalism they exhibit every day,” he added.

“This achievement is the result of collaboration, support and professionalism by the officers, civilian staff and vendors. It is truly amazing to witness this and see it happen,” said state Senator and Essex County Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz.

ACA representatives conducted their audit of the Essex County Correctional Facility from June 10 to 12. The accreditation certificate was presented to Essex County during a conference in Baltimore Aug. 11.