Press Release
Sheriff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kittitas County Jail Awarded State Accreditation

Kittitas County, WA - 05/28/2025 - Of the 56 city and county-run jails in Washington, just eight have achieved accreditation by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), and the Kittitas County Jail (KCJ) is now one of them. KCJ’s new accredited status was recognized by WASPC on May 21, 2025.

In the months-long accreditation process, Jail policies, records, and physical operations were reviewed by independent law enforcement and corrections professionals from across the state. WASPC analyzed KCJ’s performance and compliance against 170 best practices for correctional institutions, and KCJ’s policies and practices met or exceeded every standard. This includes, for example, nine standards on jail employee training; twelve on inmate communication; and sixteen on facility security and control. One core goal of the accreditation process is to reduce the risk and liability of running a jail. Therefore, 24 separate standards cover inmate health care, one of the highest-liability components of corrections.

KCJ is pushing ahead even beyond accreditation standards in this area. Yesterday, 5/27/25, they received a $209,000 grant from the Washington Health Care Authority to fund an additional nurse, expanding the hours when a medical professional is on staff. Protecting the health of people in our custody is the right thing to do; it also reduces long-term cost by treating problems early and reducing potential liability.

Kittitas County and this Sheriff’s Office prioritize public safety and accountability for criminal offenders. Sometimes, you need a jail for those things. Our community can be proud of the operation of its jail and the professionals who work in it. KCJ staff and leadership constantly seek out out how to positively impact inmates who want to be helped; how to safely contain those who aren’t ready to be helped; and how to do it all in a way that minimizes risks. KCJ’s accreditation reflects our community’s values and the responsible stewardship of its resources.

Kittitas County is one of just five Washington counties that have achieved both Jail and Sheriff’s Office accreditation. We look forward to maintaining these exceptional professional standards as we serve and protect our community.
 

• KCJ Spring 25 Accred Photo.jpg

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

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Contact: Chris Whitsett
christopher.whitsett@co.kittitas.wa.us
509-962-7525

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