The New Mexico Association of Counties recognizes the Curry County Adult Detention Accreditation. A certificate was given out at the Legislative Conference held in Santa Fe, New Mexico January 16-18, 2018. In the picture, (center) is County Manager Lance Pyle with Adult Detention Center Administrator Mark Gallegos.

Santa Fe, New Mexico – The Adult Detention Professional Standards Council (ADPSC) awarded a three (3) year Certificate of Accreditation to Curry County Adult Detention Center on January 18, 2018. The award was presented during the New Mexico Association of Counties' (NMAC) 2018 Legislative Conference on January 18, 2018 in Santa Fe, NM. The Certificate of Accreditation is awarded to those county detention facilities which meet or exceed best practice standards in detention, as developed and approved by the ADPSC. The standards were developed for New Mexico jail facilities based on suggested best practices from detention facilities across the nation. NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman said, "The Adult Detention Professional Standards Council has developed uncompromising, yet attainable, professional standards for detention facilities in New Mexico."

A joint initiative of NMAC and the New Mexico Municipal League, ADPSC's mission is to enhance the professionalism, uniformity and consistency in the operation of detention facilities in New Mexico. In 2010, ADPSC developed a voluntary accreditation program based on best practice recommendations of organizations such as the American Correctional Association and the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare, as well as best practices policies and procedures of detention facilities across the nation. To date, nine (9) counties have attained accredited status, with one (1) county actively pursuing accreditation. ADPSC Chair Clay Corn said. "By obtaining accreditation status, Curry County Adult Detention Center demonstrated a strong commitment to operating their facility with best practices and professionalism at the forefront. Congratulations to their team on this outstanding accomplishment."

Detention Administrator Mark Gallegos commented on the "Curry County's Detention Team" by voicing that he is very proud of the hard work that his team put into this challenging process and that all staff members worked extremely hard to establish a well-run detention center that will continue to keep raising the bar with complying with all detention standards. He is very thankful for a seasoned administrative staff that aided in obtaining this accreditation award.

Detention Administrator Mark Gallegos would like to thank County Manager Lance Pyle and the Curry County Board of County Commissioners for the dedicated support and believing in the entire team and accreditation process.

Curry County initiated the accreditation process with an application in the fall of 2016, and began working on the process in early 2017. There are 208 standards that must be followed with policy and documentation.

Founded in 1936 and incorporated in 1968, the New Mexico Association of Counties is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization governed by New Mexico county elected officials and employees. Its mission is to serve as a statewide voice for all counties in New Mexico. It accomplishes this by providing counties with legislative representation, general research, and training and assistance in developing and improving the administration and financing of county government. NMAC also operates self-insurance pools on behalf of member counties, covering workers' compensation, law enforcement, and property and casualty coverage. Please contact ADPSC Chair Clay Corn at 575.624.6580 or ccorn@co.chaves.nm.us for more information. Please visit the NMAC website at www.nmcounties.org.