State inspection finds Tuscarawas County jail meets all standards
NEW PHILADELPHIA — The Tuscarawas County jail got a perfect score on a state inspection conducted in December, according to Sheriff Orvis Campbell.
He said the county's only full-service jail was audited on 176 standards, comprising 54 points that are considered “essential” and 122 labeled “important." They address reception and release, classification, security, housing, sanitary and environmental conditions, communication, visitation, medical and mental health services, food service, inmate discipline, staffing, staff trainings and other areas of operation.
"Because of the vast amount of standards written into Ohio law, jails are typically inspected on only a portion of those standards each year," Campbell said in a press release. Last year, however, Gov. Mike DeWine strengthened the size of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's Bureau of Adult Detention and ordered complete inspections on all standards.
Tuscarawas County Sheriff:: Deputies getting body cameras in 2022
An inspection includes an in-person review of the facility and questioning of staff. The Bureau of Adult Detention reviews written policies as well as proof to show those policies and standards are followed. Two inspectors were assigned to the inspection process, according to the sheriff.
“Today’s jails face obstacles at a level never before seen due to addiction and mental health issues as well as the pandemic," Campbell said. "The staff has worked collectively in a diligent and consistent manner to improve procedures and operations in the jail. Every employee played a role in this accomplishment from corrections officers to the medical staff, maintenance staff and the cooks. Each moving part of the jail was inspected, and I could not be more proud of the results. Being found compliant in all 176 standards is rare and I think our community should feel satisfied knowing that their jail is being operated in a professional manner.“
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Tuscarawas County Ohio jail meets all state standards after inspection
