Staff working in jails are usually trained corrections officers or deputies, assisted by civilian staff. Thirty-seven states operate state level inspection of local jails, both their physical plants and their operations. The American Correctional Association has a voluntary accreditation program for local jails through the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections. Less than 100 local jails have achieved accreditation since the program began in 1974. Most of those accredited are newer facilities, and house about 500 or fewer inmates.
Accreditation is granted for a three year period, with annual reporting required.
Jail medical services can request voluntary accreditation through the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. This program audits include all medical services. Accreditation is granted for three years, with annual reporting required. An additional oversight for many local jails and state prisons have been the Federal Courts. The Federal Courts provided a significant impetus for change in jails and prisons to ensure that constitutional standards were met.