Morris County Correctional Facility Earns "Top-Notch" Rating

American Correctional Association Recognizes Excellence Across All Standards

The Morris County Correctional Facility (MCCF) has been recognized as one of the best in the nation by the American Correctional Association (ACA), achieving 100% compliance with both mandatory and non-mandatory standards.

An ACA review conducted last week by independent correctional professionals Kyle Poppert and Marmie Schuster-Walker found MCCF excelling in every category audited. Poppert, who has conducted over 200 audits since 2006, praised the facility's outstanding performance.

“First and foremost, I appreciate the hospitality of the staff at this agency. They made me feel like a member of their team. It takes courage to bring outsiders in and look at your operation, but this was an easy one. This is a very squared away operation,” said Poppert during the exit interview.

“Every inmate we spoke to stated that this is the best facility they have ever been to. They are treated with dignity and respect, and raved not only about the sworn staff, but applauded the medical staff. I would have loved to work here. There is no finer place, from what I have seen in all my years, that is better than this. From the staff to the living and working conditions, this is a top-notch operation,” added Schuster-Walker.

Schuster-Walker also highlighted a testimonial from an inmate who credited the facility with saving his life. “This facility saved my life. I was cleared for incarceration by a local hospital, but when I got here, I began to go downhill fast. Both sworn and medical staff acted fast and sent me back out for emergency care. If it wasn’t for them, I would have died,” the inmate shared.

The MCCF will receive official reaccreditation at the ACA Conference in Orlando in January 2025. The award will be presented by a panel of ACA corrections professionals.

“To open your doors and allow somebody to kick the tires takes courage. I commend all of you. Oftentimes, the only role model an inmate has is you. You are their mentor. You may not remember all the inmates that you have dealt with, but I assure you they will absolutely remember you,” said Sheriff James Gannon, praising the facility's staff for their exemplary work.

Group photo of MCCF staff (right) and ACA staff (left). Sheriff Gannon is standing sixth from the right (the yellow Morris County flag is behind him).