Paulding County, Georgia – A few weeks ago, from September 23-27, 2024, the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) had the privilege of hosting attendees from 16 states, spanning from California to Florida, at ELITE Academy for Jail & Corrections Command Staff. NIJO established the ELITE Academy with the purpose of delivering legal-based training to jail personnel at the highest level. The 5-day Academy caters to a wide range of professionals, including sheriffs, jail administrators, wardens, directors, and supervisors.
ELITE Academy features an NIJO-developed curriculum taught by nationally recognized attorneys and corrections experts. This comprehensive training covers essential administrative topics, including policy development, inmate rights, budgeting, inspections, correctional statistics, and essential leadership principles. In addition to the knowledge gained, attendees had the opportunity to network with professionals from other agencies and engage in meaningful discussions to address common challenges faced by corrections facilities.
The National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) is committed to providing exceptional legal-based administrative training that aligns with the requirements of the Constitution, federal acts, and Supreme Court rulings. NIJO Executive Director, Tate McCotter, emphasizes the importance of this focus, stating, "Many people are unaware of what truly happens behind bars and the challenges that corrections administrators face. As our facilities and inmate demographics continue to shift and evolve, it is imperative for administrators to constantly reevaluate outdated 'best practices' and ensure they have a thorough understanding of current legal requirements. This is the core mission of the ELITE Academy."
McCotter emphasized the importance of understanding and complying with legal requirements, as it brings numerous advantages. Jails vary in design, population, needs, budgets, and resources, and when a corrections administrator has a thorough understanding of the law and incorporates that knowledge into policies, procedures, operations, and training, customized solutions can be effectively implemented regardless of the facility. This approach not only fosters confidence and trust among inmates, officers, staff, and the public but also represents an empowering and proactive approach to corrections management, which is essential in today's world.

ABOUT NIJO
The National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) was formed as the primary resource dedicated to serve those that operate jails, detention, and correctional facilities. Recognizing the enormous liability and increasing litigation facing administrators, NIJO provides a compilation of legal-based resources and information for agencies to make facilities safer and more secure, proactively defend against frivolous litigation and protect against adverse publicity and liability.