Corrections_Today_September_October_2019_Vol.81_No.5

Certification Spotlight

prepare their staff and to maximize their facility’s effectiveness.” We here at ACA want to thank Russell for his hard work and dedica- tion to the field of corrections. We couldn’t be happier to have such

continuing to promote professional development.

an outstanding professional be part of our correctional certification program. He is a prime example of how obtaining certification and credentials highlight an individual’s success and growth in their field;

Casandra DePalma is the director of Professional Development at the American Correctional Association.

A conversation with 1 st Sgt. James Russell Q&A

Corrections Today: Tell us a bit about your agency and staff. James Russell: I am a 1 st Sergeant for the 256 th Military Police Company at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. It is a Corrections and Detention Company that operates in support of the United States Disciplinary Barracks. CT: Why did you choose ACA’s certification program? Russell: I wanted to refine my knowledge and skills as Corrections NCO for the Army. CT: How has ACA’s certification program helped your agency and staff? Russell: I feel that through my certification, I am able to provide better services in support of the facility’s mission. This includes management of the facility’s staff and inmates.

CT: Were there any challenges in applying the certification program in your agency? Russell: No, there were no issues in my pursuit of the certification. CT: Would you recommend ACA certification to other agencies? If so, why? Russell: I definitely would. Through my stud- ies, I noticed there are many correctional theories and procedures I was not entirely familiar with. This includes legal precedents that influenced correctional policies and laws. Notably, it enhanced my knowledge in handling personnel matters in a correctional setting and also my knowledge base of the new restrictive housing concept. Truly professional minded agencies should look to establish and promote a credential- ing/certification program such as ACA to better prepare their staff and to maximize their facility’s effectiveness.

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