CHARLES COUNTY, Md. - The Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards (MCCS) awarded the Charles County Sheriff’s Office its third consecutive perfect score during an audit of the Charles County Detention Center in November.
The MCCS conducts audits of each correctional facility in Maryland every two or three years to determine whether they meet more than 100 standards of professional excellence. In 2001, the Sheriff’s Office became the first agency to achieve a perfect score during the audit and made history again in 2004 when MCCS determined the Detention Center remained in 100 percent compliance with MCCS standards.
“The standards created by the MCCS ensure correctional facilities in our state operate as safely, efficiently and professionally as possible,” said Charles County Sheriff Frederick E. Davis. “To meet 100 percent of their standards during the audit, not just once but three times consecutively, is a testament to the pride and dedication the employees of the Charles County Detention Center consistently demonstrate. I am proud of the superior job they do and their willingness to serve their community as corrections professionals.”
MCCS auditors examine all aspects of the Detention Center, including security and emergency plans, to ensure the working environment for employees and the living environment for inmates is satisfactory. To meet the standards, Detention Center employees must keep accurate and detailed records of every inmate including how they are classified, whether they require special diets, their hygiene items, all mail they receive, their financial accounts, their visitors, the religious and education services they use, disciplinary hearings and when, where and why they are transported. Employees keep records of all employee training and mandatory visits by the Charles County Health Department and the State Fire Marshal. They also keep an inventory of every key, pair of handcuffs and tool within the facility.
The Detention Center is commanded by Capt. Tim Plumer. A Standards Section commanded by Lt. Susie Rice inspects the facility to ensure it is operating according to the MCCS standards.