The performance-based standards, expected practices and outcome measures included in this manual are the result of a major initiative undertaken by the American Correctional Association to improve the delivery of care to offenders within the correctional environment using the concept and template for performance-based standards. Conceived and developed by professionals, these performance standards, expected practices, and outcome measures will enable administrators and practitioners to not only monitor activities but also to measure over time the outcomes of their efforts.

Covers major administrative and operational areas of jails, including health care, staff development, offender rights, security, industries, and volunteers. The appendix cross references each policy and procedure with applicable ACA standards.

Includes standards covering the critical program areas for effective institutional management, including safety procedures, security, rules and discipline, staff development, physical plant, and health care services.