These annual inspections are led by the Florida Sheriff’s Association and Florida Association of Counties, utilizing certified inspectors to ensure that the facilities and staff meet or exceed the minimum performance standards to operate a constitutional jail in the state of Florida. They include interviews with inmates and staff and review of daily operations. The team of inspectors reviewed all areas of operations from staff training, admissions, release, programs, sanitation, housing, food service, health records and security, to how medications are stored and labeled. The inspections were completed in September.
The inspection's conclusion complimented Escambia County Jail, Road Prison and Work Release Center staff, stating that "The inspectors would like to commend the staff and leadership on the cleanliness and orderly operation of the facility in spite of the unique challenges they face. Everyone was extremely helpful, welcoming, and knowledgeable. The inspection guides were very gracious and assisted the inspection team throughout the inspection. The staff are confident professionals, and there is a pervasive sense of pride of ownership evident throughout the facility."
The Escambia County Jail also holds accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (accredited in 2003, reaccredited in 2006, 2010, 2013 and 2017) and the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission (accredited in 2003, reaccredited in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2016). Both exceed the standards established through the Florida Model Jail Standards.
Additionally, numerous steps have been taken since January 2015 to enhance the quality of medical care for Escambia County Jail inmates, including:
- Restructured the infirmary to provide increased visibility to those patients with the most need.
- Repurposed area of medical department to accommodate two acute care hospital beds with monitoring capabilities. This area is also equipped with a crash cart with emergency drugs and intravenous fluids.
- An ECG machine is available that directly transmits test results to the jail’s medical director for evaluation.
- Laboratory test results are available within 3-10 minutes.
- Emergency pharmacologic agents are available to immediately stabilize critically ill patients.
- Ketone monitors to diagnose diabetic and other toxicologic emergencies.
- The jail's Mental Health Division is comprised of six full-time employees who are on call 24/7.
- Implemented acute care protocols for the Health Services Division.
- The jail’s medical director is on call and available for consultations with staff 24/7 and is notified anytime an ambulance is dispatched to the jail.
- Implemented a quality assurance system for chart reviews.
