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A seasoned team of correctional practitioners led by Kaye Harris, RN/BS, acareer Federal Bureau of Prisons employee, conducted the comprehensive andintensive three-day audit. Together, the team represented a combinedexperience of over 100 years in senior level correctional management.
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Through accreditation, an agency is able to maintain a balance betweenprotecting the public and providing an environment that safeguards the life,health and safety of staff and offenders. Standards set by the ACA reflectpractical up-to-date policies and procedures, and function as a managementtool for more than 1,500 correctional agencies in the United States.
The Wyatt Facility was tested against 384 applicable standards listed inthe ACA's Adult Local Detention Facilities Manual, 4th Edition, on virtuallyall aspects of correctional operations, from security and physical plant touse of force; medical; programs; and food services. Of the 384 standards, 60are mandatory life safety and must be passed. The one standard where thefacility did not fully comply was minor, related to the number of showerheadsin a newly constructed living POD. The Wyatt has addressed it, and isfinishing this installation; and will appeal this specific finding before May2008, when the formal commission award is presented. With the inevitablecompliance of this one last standard, the Wyatt Detention Facility will enjoyan incredible 100% rating and distinguish itself as truly one of the leadingfacilities in the United States.
Al Romanowicz, Chairman of the Central Falls Detention FacilityCorporation, enthusiastically praised the staff at the Wyatt commenting that,"A nearly perfect accreditation rating validates not only our decision tomanage the facility, but clearly demonstrates to the City of Central Falls,and each and every one of our partner agencies and financial institutions,that we have not missed a beat -- and, in fact, have become even moreproficient and attentive."
For context, there are approximately 8,500 correctional facilities in thenation and the Wyatt remains in the top 17%, being one of only 1,500facilities totally accredited. It is and remains to be the only facility inRhode Island that is ACA accredited.
Central Falls Detention Facility Corporation's (which owns and operatesthe Wyatt) Executive Director, Anthony Ventetuolo, Jr., stated, "This is areal tribute to Warden Wayne Salisbury and his entire staff for their hardwork, extra effort every day and diligence; and speaks volumes on theircommitment to excellence and professionalism. It's even more extraordinarygiven the incredible changes the staff and facility have undergone in the lasttwo years." The facility underwent and recently completed a $50M expansionthat more than doubled its size, staff anddetainee population. In addition, an entire management transition occurred inAugust 2007, when the CFDF Corporation took over direct operational authorityfrom Cornell Corrections, a private firm that operated the facility for itsfirst thirteen years. "The Corporation is extremely proud of the way ourstaff has responded to the massive paradigm change that has occurred,"Ventetuolo said. "Hopefully, this great news from the ACA is reassuring toour clients that those individuals in their custody are being housed in asafe, secure and progressive setting."
Wyatt Detention Facility, constructed i
