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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 3, 2023
Midway, UT - Executive leadership from jail and corrections facilities gathered in Midway, Utah, to attend ELITE Academy 4, hosted by the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO).
NIJO created ELITE Academy to provide advanced legal-based jail training for jail personnel at the highest level, including sheriffs, jail administrators, wardens, directors, and supervisors. Last week, September 25-29, 2023, twenty-seven attendees representing corrections agencies from several states from California to Florida participated in what is being considered the highest level of command staff training specific to jail, detention, and corrections professionals.
The ELITE Academy training curriculum, created and facilitated by NIJO, was taught by nationally renowned attorneys and corrections experts. They covered a variety of critically important administrative topics ranging from policy development and constitutional issues to inmate rights, budgeting, inspections, correctional statistics, and core leadership principles. In addition to the benefits of in-depth training on critical aspects of corrections administration and management, attendees had opportunities to connect with leaders from other agencies and to discuss solutions to challenges and issues commonly shared by corrections facilities.
Providing legal-based administrative training based on what the Constitution, federal acts, and Supreme Court rulings requires is a key focus for the National Institute for Jail Operations, according to NIJO Executive Director, Tate McCotter.
“Much of the public does not understand what happens behind bars nor the challenges corrections administrators face. Our facilities and populations are constantly changing. Aging ‘best practices’ must necessarily be reexamined by administrators who possess a strong understanding of current legal requirements and then operationalize them. This is the primary focus of the ELITE Academy.”McCotter explained knowing and complying with legal requirements provides other notable benefits. “Jails come in uniquely different shapes and sizes. Their designs and populations, needs, varying budgets, and resources vary and that is OK. When a corrections administrator understands what the law requires and can insert that knowledge into policies, procedures, operations, and training, customized solutions can be successfully applied no matter the facility. This approach also builds confidence and trust with inmates, officers, staff, and the public. This is an empowering, proactive approach to corrections management very necessary in today’s world."

ABOUT NIJO
The National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) was formed as the primary resource dedicated to serve those that operate jails, detention, and correctional facilities. Recognizing the enormous liability an increasing litigation facing administrators, NIJO provides a compilation of legal-based resources and information for agencies to make facilities safer and more secure, proactively defend against frivolous litigation and protect against adverse publicity and liability.Heading section
NIJO
Attn: Darla Gray
801-810-5245