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Welcome to National Institute for Jail Operations

The National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) is dedicated to serving those who operate jails, detention and correctional facilities across the country.  NIJO recognizes and understands the enormous liability and increasing litigation facing administrators.  We provide a compilation of legal-based resources and information to assist agencies in making facilities safer and more secure, helping you proactively defend against frivolous litigation to protect against adverse publicity and liability.

Our Services

Model Policy and Procedure

With the expansion of the NIJO Legal-Based Jail Guidelines, sheriffs and jail administrators across the country have openly expressed the need for legal-based policy and procedure.

Verification Inspections

The inspection model widely accepted and followed in corrections is patterned after an “outside-in” approach, meaning the agency is first inspected by an outside organization, which identifies

Self Audit and Assessments

There are few professions which face on a day-to-day basis such an unpredictable, fluid, and potentially volatile environment as does corrections management.

Legal Consultation

Agencies must deal with inmate filed litigation on a regular basis.  Litigation defense is time consuming, costly, stressful and requires a high level of skilled expertise, any of which can be frustrating for administrators with limited resources.

NIJO Accreditation

NIJO Accreditation began in 2012, when numerous agencies began requesting an alternative to existing accreditations for correctional facilities.

Legal-Based Jail Guidelines

Qualified immunity, good-faith defense depends on knowing and complying with clearly established law – not BEST PRACTICES.   “Best practices” are often quoted as a feel-good answer to justify administrative policies and positions.

Upcoming Training Events

Expert Blog

BE DEFENSIBLE:
Knowing the Differences Between National Standards, Contract Agreements and Legal-Based Guidelines

By Tate McCotter, NIJO Executive Director The September 12th ...
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Karl Malone’s Message to our Men and Women in Uniform

This is Karl Malone. This article is dedicated to ...
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Why Legal Based Guidelines?  From an Administrator’s Perspective

By Expert:  Darin Durfey If you are not paying ...
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How Tablets are Helping Us Clean Up Our Prison

By Expert:  Sean Stewart The debate over prison reform ...
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Free Exercise of Religion (Part 1): Evolution of Prisoner Rights

By Expert:  Gary DeLand The Right of Free Exercise ...
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Voluntary Exposure in Jails & Prisons–Do your policies protect you?

By Expert : Tate McCotter Correctional officers regularly deal with ...
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Popular This week

Investigation Underway into Death of Marion County Jail Inmate

Investigation Underway into Death of Marion County Jail Inmate

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – An investigation is underway into the death...
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34 Inmates Relocated After Fire at Washington Parish Jail

34 Inmates Relocated After Fire at Washington Parish Jail

FRANKLINTON, LA – An overnight fire at the Washington Parish...
Read More
State Prison Inmate Placed on Escape Status

State Prison Inmate Placed on Escape Status

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Authorities say a state inmate has...
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Racine County Jail Inmate Accused of Stabbing Corrections Officer with Pen During Fingerprinting

Racine County Jail Inmate Accused of Stabbing Corrections Officer with Pen During Fingerprinting

RACINE COUNTY, WI  - A Racine County Jail inmate stands...
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In the News

Investigation Underway into Death of Marion County Jail Inmate

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – An investigation is underway into the death ...
Read More

34 Inmates Relocated After Fire at Washington Parish Jail

FRANKLINTON, LA – An overnight fire at the Washington Parish ...
Read More

State Prison Inmate Placed on Escape Status

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Authorities say a state inmate has ...
Read More

Racine County Jail Inmate Accused of Stabbing Corrections Officer with Pen During Fingerprinting

RACINE COUNTY, WI  - A Racine County Jail inmate stands ...
Read More

Featured Spotlight

Register TODAY for JAILCON19!

JAILCON19 Southern Regional Training Conference at the JW Marriott in New Orleans, August 6-8, offers legal-based training on the hottest issues facing jails taught by the most recognized jail instructors in the country. Over 30 different training sessions provide up to 20 hours of training to fulfill requirements for annual agency continuing education credits and all NIJO Professional Certification levels. JAILCON19 Southern Regional Conference New Orleans, LA - JW Marriott August 8-10, 2019 REGISTER NOW!

2019 WESTERN REGION OUTSTANDING CORRECTIONS PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

During the 3rd Annual JAILCON Western Regional Training Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, June 3-5, NIJO recognized agencies and individuals for their contributions to the corrections profession. Awards were presented on June 5th during the Awards Luncheon at the Talking Stick Resort. We extend our congratulations to the following award recipients. Read more

WSSA REGIONAL TRAINING SEMINARS

WSSA and NIJO have joined forces to offer an advanced legal-based jail training program for WSSA members.  To accommodate everyone, the seminars will be offered at locations across WSSA territories. All training is approved for National Certification through NIJO for NCCE, NCCS, and NCCO levels. WSSA and NIJO share common ground on defending the office of Sheriff and promoting a sheriff’s best interest on jail issues without regard to political correctness, affiliation or putting organization objectives before the members they serve.  Upon successful completion, attendees can apply the classroom time and testing toward national certification!  Find out more here.
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  • Total Completed DACOTA Credit Hours
  • Attendees Trained at NIJO Events:

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