The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), on October 26, 2016 completed their audit for reaccreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA). The audit committee will recommend to the ACA Commission that the Arlington County Detention Facility (ACDF) be awarded reaccreditation. ACA accreditation standards are the national benchmark for the effective operation of correctional facilities across the country. Only 500 correctional facilities in the United States achieve ACA accreditation.
“I am extremely proud to be recognized by the ACA review committee as an accredited agency,” said Sheriff Beth Arthur. “Accreditation means that the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office strives to be a leader in Virginia and to maintain procedures and operations that can be considered best practices. I am proud of the great work the staff perform day in and day out, and accreditation serves as validation of our commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
A review team of experienced, independent auditors awarded a perfect score of 100% for the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office on all applicable mandatory standards and 99.4% on non-mandatory standards. The ACA standards address services, programs and operations essential to effective jail management. Through the accreditation process, the Sheriff’s Office is able to maintain a balance between protecting the public and providing an environment that safeguards the life, health and safety of staff, inmates, volunteers and visitors. The ACDF has been accredited by ACA since 1995.
The Sheriff’s Office is also accredited by the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) and the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).