The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office recently received two, three-year accreditation certificates from the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission and from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Inc.
A statewide accrediting body comprised of Sheriffs and jail administrators from around the state awarded the continued accreditation to the Hillsborough County jails and the sheriff’s office, following a three day on-site inspection conducted in December, which found both departments in compliance with the more that 200 applicable standards examined.
The commission praised the innovation exhibited by the Department of Detention Services over the past three years intended to manage expenses and reduce jail operating costs, singling out the consolidation of inmate housing at the Falkenburg Road Jail along with measures that reduced overtime and medical costs. The formation of an intelligence team, expanded special security teams, and a narcotics canine unit were also praised by the FCAC.
“Sheriff David Gee values the FCAC’s assessment and is particularly pleased with the department’s full compliance with the applicable standards,” Colonel Jim Previtera said.
In reply Gee emphasized that the programs and actions implemented were successful because of his staff.
“The report is reflective of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Department of Detention Services.” Gee said.
The second award was accepted by Colonel Donna Lusczynski, commander of the Department of Investigative Services, who said, “The report is reflective of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was among the first agencies accredited by the FCAC when the commission was formed in 1998. The Hillsborough jails have maintained accreditation during the years that followed.
The awards reflect on Gee’s status within the department and the law enforcement community even as he gets deeper into his re-election campaign, which so far has no challengers in sight.
Gee, 52, is running for a third term. Gee ran unopposed in 2008.
One of the most talked about efforts, is Gee’s initiation of the inception of Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) into the Office, which has so far resulted in the county’s overall crime rate drop in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
For more information about HCSO, please visit the department at www.hcso.tampa.fl.us.
