Howard County Becomes 2nd Jurisdiction In Maryland To Earn National Accreditation

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Department of Corrections has become the second local jurisdiction in Maryland to earn national accreditation from the American Correctional Association.

"Our corrections team is diligent and committed to the safety and well-being of our inmates and our staff. This peer review proves we are among the best at not just supplying the basic levels of health care and meals and safety, but offering hope and opportunity for the future. Our detainees are treated with respect and provided programs to improve so they can be productive members of our community when released," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

The accreditation process takes more than a year, Ball said. The facility then is audited by a team of corrections professionals to verify documentation, interview staff and inmates, and observe day-to-day operations.

“We passed with flying colors on our first attempt. The auditors were impressed by the dedication and professionalism of our staff and the level of programming available to offenders,” said Howard County Department of Corrections Director Margaret Chippendale. “My ultimate goal is to ensure offenders leave the detention center better than when they arrived and now we have credible validation that we are serving our inmate population well. My staff should be so proud of their efforts and their impact on the lives we touch.”