Richmond Correctional Institution has been recommended for accreditation by auditors from the American Correctional Association (ACA). The recommendation follows a review conducted from November 3 to 5, during which auditors found that Richmond Correctional met all mandatory practices and nearly all non-mandatory ones.
The facility is now the 53rd operation within the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) to be either recommended or awarded ACA accreditation. The NCDAC continues its efforts to secure this distinction for all its facilities and operations.
Warden Nicole Spruell commented on the outcome: “Our staff’s professionalism and dedication were instrumental in preparing for this review and for succeeding. I am proud of them,” she said. “I also want to thank NCDAC and South Central Region leadership, as well as our agency’s accreditation and compliance specialists, for all the support and guidance they’ve provided throughout this process.”
Richmond Correctional houses more than 400 men under medium custody. It offers educational programs ranging from high school equivalency courses to vocational training in areas such as masonry, electrical work, upholstery, and cooking through partnerships with Richmond Community College.
ACA audits assess performance-based standards related to safety, security, staff morale, record maintenance, data management capabilities, and overall facility functioning. During their visit, ACA auditors spent three days inspecting the site visually, reviewing policies and procedures, and evaluating ongoing work at the prison.
A formal vote by the ACA Commission on Accreditation for Corrections will take place at a future meeting to determine whether Richmond Correctional will receive full accreditation.
