Uniformed and civilian staff throughout the Department continues to achieve professional certification through the American Correctional Association (ACA). The American Correctional Association, the oldest and largest correctional association in the world, serves all disciplines within the corrections profession and is dedicated to excellence in every aspect of the field.  Their work encompasses professional development and certification, standards and accreditation, research and publications, and correctional technology.

In order to become professionally certified, each corrections professional is required to successfully pass an examination which tests the depth of their knowledge in all areas of the field.  Tests are administered according to professional level including the Certified Corrections Officer, Supervisor, Manager and Executive.

Once certified, staff must maintain their credentials through effective participation in continuing education activities relevant to the field.  Re-certification at the same level does not require a written examination; however, detailed documentation is required for verification that during the three years covered by certification, the employee:

• Satisfactorily completed the required number and appropriate type of continuing education contact hours.
• Continued to effectively function in the occupational group for which s/he was certified; and
• Received no less than a satisfactory performance evaluation from his/her immediate supervisor, who also certifies that the applicant for re-certification is a person in good standing.

To date 398 departmental employees have achieved certification which accounts for 45 percent of the total workforce.  This accomplishment places the department in a unique position nationally as we continue to lead all other correctional systems in the country with the number of staff who has gained professional certification by the ACA.