Summit County Jail Earns Perfect State Inspection Score for Second Year in a Row

The Summit County Jail met 100% of state standards during its annual inspection in October. Inspectors from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) conducted the review. This marks the second year in a row the Akron facility has earned a perfect score from the state. Chief of Corrections Tim Miller said the back-to-back result has never happened before at the jail. “Based on the historical records kept by the Sheriff’s Office and the ODRC, this is the first time the Summit County Jail has achieved a perfect score in two consecutive years,” Miller said. Sheriff Credits Jail Staff Sheriff Kandy Fatheree gave the credit to the corrections officers and staff who work inside the facility every day. “I can’t say enough about the quality and character of the men and women working in our jail today,” Fatheree said. “Their professionalism, hard work, and dedication are what make results like this possible. We’re moving in the right direction, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team.” What State Inspectors Review Ohio law requires the ODRC’s Bureau of Adult Detention to inspect every county and municipal jail in the state each year. Each facility is measured against nearly 200 standards. Inspectors look at almost every part of jail operations. Their review includes inmate reception and release, classification, security and housing. Sanitation, visitation and food services are also checked. Medical and mental health services, recreation, programming and staff training round out the list. The ODRC inspector’s October report had high marks for the facility. “The jail demonstrated a consistent level of professionalism and presented the facility as safe, sanitary, and secure,” the inspector wrote. About the Summit County Jail Opened in 1990, the Summit County Jail currently houses about 600 inmates. Some were recently arrested or are awaiting trial. Others are serving short-term sentences or waiting to be transferred to other institutions. Intake Area Expansion Underway In July, the Sheriff’s Office broke ground on the first new construction project at the jail in more than three decades. The project will expand and modernize the facility’s intake area. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the upgrades will enhance security and improve vehicle and staff movement. They will also allow for more timely medical and mental health evaluations for people entering the jail. Frequently Asked Questions What score did the Summit County Jail receive in its latest state inspection? The Summit County Jail met 100% of state standards during its annual inspection in October. It was the jail’s second straight perfect score. Who inspects county jails in Ohio? The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Bureau of Adult Detention inspects every county and municipal jail in Ohio once a year, as required by the Ohio Revised Code. How many standards are Ohio jails inspected against? Ohio jails are evaluated against nearly 200 standards. These cover areas such as security, housing, sanitation, food services, medical and mental health care, and staff training. Has the Summit County Jail ever had two perfect inspections in a row before? No. Chief of Corrections Tim Miller said records kept by the Sheriff’s Office and the ODRC show this is the first time the jail has earned perfect scores in two consecutive years. What construction is happening at the Summit County Jail? The Sheriff’s Office broke ground in July on a project to expand and modernize the jail’s intake area. It is the first new construction at the facility in more than three decades.