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Posted by: kwflatbed

More Grants More State Funding !!

Glodis set long-term goal

By Shaun Sutner TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF




WEST BOYLSTON— It may be overcrowded, antiquated and under-funded, as its administrators argue.

But now the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction is officially accredited.

Yesterday afternoon, Sheriff Guy W. Glodis unveiled a framed accreditation certificate denoting the honor from by the American Correctional Association.

Speaking in a packed jail gymnasium that not too long ago was used to house inmates, the sheriff said accreditation will boost the morale of correction officers, reduce insurance costs and the jail’s liability in lawsuits, and help attract grants and more state funding.

“It brings about professional standards, the highest standards in corrections not only in the commonwealth, but amongst the nation,” Sheriff Glodis said.

On stage with the sheriff and other jail officials were two other Massachusetts sheriffs: Robert J. Garvey of Hampshire County, chairman of the ACA’s accreditation committee, and Frank G. Cousins Jr. of Essex County, president of the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association.

Mr. Garvey said he was present more than two years ago when Sheriff Glodis, fresh off an election victory over then incumbent Sheriff John M. “Mike” Flynn, told his senior staff members that he wanted to seek accreditation.

“You should have seen the look on their faces,” Sheriff Garvey said.

The jail received word last month that it had received accreditation.

To achieve that status, administrators first had to do a self-review and demonstrate that the jail complex met 62 mandatory standards governing the physical plant, due process, safety issues and emergency procedures, and many other issues.

The administration, over the course of several audits by ACA officials, went on to meet 322 more voluntary standards, documenting them with written policies and in practice.

“It’s not just doing it the day you were audited, but 365 days a year,” Sheriff Garvey said.

While some critics of the ACA have faulted the accreditation process for approving sub-standard facilities, Ronal C. Madnick, executive director of the Worcester chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, said he had no problem with it.

Mr. Madnick, who often negotiates with jail officials over inmates’ rights issues, said his main concerns are that there be no physical expansion of the jail, as Sheriff Glodis has sought, and that rehabilitation programs such as the Almost Home halfway house continue.

“I think that’s where the emphasis should go, and that’s where (Sheriff Glodis) appears to be putting it,” Mr. Madnick, who was in the audience for the 1 p.m. event, said.

Also on hand were Maureen Walsh, chairman of the state parole board, and Mary Beth Heffernan, undersecretary of public safety, both of whom praised the jail’s rehabilitation programs.

After the ceremony, the sheriff, who is known for his occasionally eyebrow-raising sense of humor, welcomed the guests to a catered lunch.

“We’ve got some great food. It is not prepared by the inmates,” he said.


http://www.telegram.com/article/2008...803120692/1116

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