Hillsborough County Jails Pass Examination

From the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office:

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office accepted a three-year accreditation certificate from the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission this week.

The FCAC awarded the continued accreditation to the Hillsborough County jails following a three day on-site inspection last December that found the jails in compliance with all of the more that 200 applicable standards examined.

The Commission praised the innovation exhibited by the Department of Detention Services over the past three years intended to manage expenses and reduce jail operating costs. Panel members singled out the consolidation of inmate housing at the Falkenburg Road Jail along with measures that reduced overtime and medical costs. The formation of an intelligence team, expanded special security teams, and a narcotics canine unit were also praised by the FCAC.

The statewide accrediting body comprised of Sheriffs and jail administrators from around the state convened for the three day meetings in Howey in the Hills, Fl.

The award was accepted by Colonel Jim Previtera, commander of the jails, who testified before an accreditation sub-committee before sitting before the full commission.

"Sheriff David Gee values the FCAC's assessment and is particularly pleased with the department's full compliance with the applicable standards," Previtera told the Commission. "The report is reflective of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Department of Detention Services. The programs and actions implemented were successful because of the staff that I am honored to lead."

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office was among the first agencies accredited by the FCAC when the commission was formed in 1998. The Hillsborough jails have maintained accreditation during the years that followed.