KENT, WA — The City of Kent Corrections Facility (CKCF) has once again been recognized for operating at the highest level of professionalism, earning renewed accreditation from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). The accreditation was formally awarded during a ceremony at the WASPC fall conference.
Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla praised the achievement, stating, “I am very proud of our CKCF staff achieving re-accreditation by WASPC. It means our correctional facility has once again been acknowledged for achieving the highest professional standards.”
The WASPC accreditation program involves an extensive multi-phase review process conducted over several months. Facilities are evaluated on a wide range of criteria including administrative efficiency, operational effectiveness, fair recruitment, improved records management, and enhanced standards related to technology, health and safety, training, codes of conduct, and inmate security.
CKCF’s latest accreditation will remain valid for four years, continuing the facility’s previous accreditations earned in 2017 and 2021. Kent made history in 2017 when CKCF became the first city jail in Washington State—and the second correctional facility statewide—to receive WASPC accreditation. The City of Kent also remains the first municipality to hold WASPC accreditation for both its police department and its jail.
Kent officials extended gratitude to the corrections personnel whose dedication and professionalism made the recognition possible. Special acknowledgment was given to CKCF Accreditation Manager Sergeant R. Armstrong and CKCF Commander M. Armstrong for their leadership and efforts in meeting WASPC’s rigorous standards.
Founded in 1963, WASPC represents law enforcement executives across Washington, including county sheriffs, police chiefs, the Washington State Patrol, the Department of Corrections, and federal agency representatives.
A photo accompanying the announcement features Chief Rafael Padilla, CJCF Sergeant R. Armstrong, and CKCF Commander A. Armstrong.