🏅 The Okaloosa County Department of Corrections earned Florida Corrections Accreditation with 3rd Excelsior Status.
👮 The accreditation confirms compliance with high standards for inmate safety, staff training, and facility operations.
🤝 County leaders say the achievement strengthens public trust and demonstrates a commitment to ethical and humane correctional practices.
OKALOOSA COUNTY — The Okaloosa County Department of Corrections has once again been recognized for meeting the highest standards in correctional operations, earning Florida Corrections Accreditation with 3rd Excelsior Status, county officials announced this week.
The designation, awarded by the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission (FCAC), reflects a rigorous and voluntary evaluation process that examines nearly every aspect of jail and corrections administration — from inmate safety and staff training to security procedures, facility operations, and legal compliance.
“This accreditation reflects the dedication and hard work of our corrections team,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “Meeting these standards confirms that the Okaloosa County Department of Corrections operates in accordance with best practices designed to protect staff, inmates, and the community we serve.”
Achieving accreditation requires extensive preparation, including a comprehensive self-assessment, detailed reviews of policies and procedures, on-site inspections, and independent evaluations conducted by trained assessors. Earning Excelsior Status for a third time indicates the department has consistently maintained compliance across multiple accreditation cycles.
County officials say the recognition goes beyond a certificate on the wall. Accredited facilities benefit from improved operational efficiency, reduced liability and risk exposure, enhanced staff training, and increased transparency and accountability in government operations.
Accreditation also signals a commitment to constitutional, ethical, and humane correctional practices — a factor officials say helps strengthen public trust in the local criminal justice system.
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, including Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel and Commissioners Trey Goodwin, Sherri Cox, and Drew Palmer, praised the department’s continued focus on professionalism and continuous improvement.
County leaders say the achievement underscores the Department of Corrections’ ongoing efforts to balance public safety with responsible, well-managed correctional services for the community it serves.
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