The Awards Committee is asking you to nominate exceptional practitioners or innovative facilities for one of our esteemed awards.
New this year: The Correctional Officer of the Year – Small Jail award!
Volunteer of the Year
Civilian Employee of the Year
Correctional Officer of the Year – Small Jail
Correctional Officer of the Year
Correctional Training Officer of the Year
Correctional Supervisor of the Year
Ray Coleman Correctional Administrator of the Year
Innovation Award-Large Jail (1000+ beds)
Innovation Award-Medium Jail (100 – 999 beds)
Innovation Award-Small Jail (under 100 beds)
Valor Award
Francis R. "Dick" Ford Distinguished Service Award
TO GIVE A NOMINATION GREATER WEIGHT:
- Include ample justification to support your nomination.
- Thoroughly discuss the nominee's accomplishments and mention any awards, commendations, etc.
- Include endorsements from inside and outside the facility.
- Provide newspaper articles or commendation letters, if appropriate.
For more information, please see the attached or go to https://www.americanjail.org/awards. All recipients receive conference registration, airfare, hotel accommodations, and one additional banquet ticket at AJA's 45th Conference & Jail Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 16-20, 2026.