By Sgt. Jack Nash
PIO OCSO
OKEECHOBEE – The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office Detention Division has once again demonstrated its commitment to maintaining high standards of correctional operations by successfully passing its recent unannounced Florida Model Jail Standards (FMJS) inspection.
The inspection included a comprehensive review of twenty different areas within the Detention Division, including inmate housing, kitchen operations, medical services, programs, and sanitation. Inspectors also conducted a thorough review of inmate disciplinary actions and related reports to ensure compliance with established standards.
Sheriff Noel Stephen is pleased with the results of the inspection and proud of the continued dedication demonstrated by Detention Division staff. Since Sheriff Stephen took office, the Okeechobee County Jail has never failed an inspection. Despite the age of the facility, the jail has also repeatedly received praise for the manner in which its aging infrastructure is maintained. This continued success is a testament to the diligent work of staff members who work each day to ensure the facility meets the high standards required of detention facilities throughout Florida.
The Florida Model Jail Standards are statutorily mandated guidelines that all jails throughout the State of Florida are required to follow. The standards are designed to ensure detention facilities provide a safe and humane environment for inmates while protecting the constitutional rights of those incarcerated within the facility.
Florida Statute requires detention facilities to undergo two inspections annually. This includes one scheduled inspection and one unannounced inspection, which must occur at least 120 days after the scheduled inspection. Each inspection is conducted by certified assessors who possess expertise and experience in the field of corrections.
The inspection and oversight of Florida's county jails have evolved over the years. Prior to 1996, the Florida Department of Corrections, through the Office of the Inspector General, was responsible for the standards and inspection process for local county jails. Since that time, responsibility for the process has been decentralized to local sheriffs' offices.
The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office Detention Division has a long history of serving the community, dating back to the establishment of Okeechobee County's first jail in 1917. More than a century later, the Detention Division continues to meet or exceed the stringent performance standards established by the Florida Model Jail Standards.
The inspection team consisted of a Captain, Sergeant, and Deputy from the Indian River County Sheriff's Office.
