The Charles County Detention Center (CCDC) (Submitted photo)LA PLATA, Md. (Feb. 3, 2016)—Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry announced that the Charles County Detention Center (CCDC) achieved a 100 percent compliance rating during an audit conducted by the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards (MCCS) from January 12–16.
The MCCS created standards to ensure correctional facilities in Maryland operate as safely, efficiently and professionally as possible. Representatives from MCCS conduct audits of each correctional facility in Maryland every two to three years to determine whether the facility meets the more than 100 standards of professional excellence. In 2001, the Charles County Detention Center became the first agency in the state to achieve a perfect score during an audit and has since maintained a perfect rating, with audits in 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2012.
MCCS auditors examine all aspects of the CCDC, including security and emergency plans, to ensure the working environment for employees and the living environment for inmates is satisfactory. To meet the standards, 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. In addition, auditors review all operating records to ensure mandated rules are met. This includes all employee training and yearly visits by the Charles County Health Department, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health office. CCDC staff must also keep a strict inventory of every key, pair of handcuffs, and tool within the facility.
The CCDC is commanded by Director Susan Rice, and the Standards Section is commanded by Lt. Robert Studds, who is responsible for handling all internal and external inspections of the facility, reviewing all paperwork, and ensuring compliance of the Corrections Division Policy and Procedure Manual to guarantee it is operating according to the standards set forth by the MCCS. "Achieving 100 percent compliance is a demonstration of the pride and dedication the employees of the CCDC consistently prove," said Director Rice. "We have a great team, and we are so proud of each and every employee who made it possible."
"Our Corrections Division has one of the toughest jobs in the agency," said Sheriff Berry. "From the command staff to officers and support personnel, their dedication to maintaining custody and security of inmates, as well as offering a variety of programs to reduce recidivism and help inmates, is always evident. Their consistent perfect scores during the MCCS audits is a testament to their commitment and passion for their work."