In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the current state of correctional facilities and inmate populations, highlighting ongoing efforts to achieve accreditation for state prisons. Currently, out of 35 state prisons, not all are accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA), but the agency is actively working on certification for several facilities. The commissioner noted that the accreditation process is ongoing, with initial certifications requiring a year of meeting standards, followed by reaccreditation every three years.

As of August 2024, the total inmate population across the facilities overseen by the agency has reached approximately 49,911, a significant increase from previous years, indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels as court operations resume. The breakdown of the inmate population includes about 35,000 in state prisons, 2,700 in transitional centers, 45 in county institutions, and 7,584 in private prisons, resulting in an overall utilization rate of 94%.

Chairman Albers emphasized that the agency has no control over the inmate population, which has shifted towards a higher percentage of violent offenders due to criminal justice reforms initiated in previous administrations. These reforms aimed to keep nonviolent offenders in the community, inadvertently increasing the proportion of violent inmates within the system. The meeting underscored the challenges faced by correctional facilities as they navigate these demographic changes while striving for improved standards and accreditation.