
Who deserves recognition from your agency? Nominate them today!
It’s likely not hard to think of a colleague who deserves recognition for their hard work, dedication, heroism, or perseverance. Maybe that person is even YOU! If so, forward this information to a friend and give them a little nudge to nominate you! Whoever it is—whether it’s one person or several—we want to hear their story.
Submitting a nomination is quick and easy, thanks to our online application. It only takes a few moments to make a difference and ensure that someone’s exceptional contributions get the recognition they deserve. Nominate someone today!
Each award recipient will be recognized during the JAILCON Awards Ceremony in conjunction with the JAILCON in their region. In addition, each recipient recieves the following:
- A beautiful wooden plaque created by inmates at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks in Fort Leavenworth.
- Complimentary full conference registration (a $425 value) to their region’s JAILCON Regional Conference is provided by NIJO for the individual award recipients and for two agency representatives from the agency receiving the “Detention Facility Award”.*
- In addition, NIJO will provide lunch for one spouse/guest attending the awards luncheon for each award representative.
- Recognition on NIJO’s website (www.jailtraining.org)
* Award recipients are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation and lodging for the conference.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
To ensure the recognition and celebration of excellence, all award recipients must be present at the award ceremony. Attendance at the ceremony allows recipients to personally accept their award and to be acknowledged in front of their peers and other JAILCON attendees. Being part of this special ceremony highlights the significance of their dedication to the field of corrections.
IMPORTANT DATES
WESTERN REGION
Chandler, AZ
Nomination Deadline:
March 14, 2025
Recipient Notification:
April 7, 2025
Awards Ceremony:
June 11, 2025
CENTRAL REGION
Overland Park, KS
Nomination Deadline:
May 2, 2025
Recipient Notification:
May 28, 2025
Awards Ceremony:
August 14, 2025
SOUTHERN REGION
Mobile, AL
Nomination Deadline:
July 11, 2025
Recipient Notification:
August 1, 2025
Awards Ceremony:
October 15, 2025

DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE AWARD (aka OVERWORKED & UNDERPAID AWARD)
Awarded to a detention officer, supervisor, or administrator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication over the past year and has gone above and beyond normal expectations. Through extraordinary efforts, such as working additional hours and prioritizing the safety and security of staff, inmates, and the community, this individual has made a significant impact and exemplified the highest standards of professionalism in corrections.

DISTINGUISHED VALOR AWARD
Awarded to a detention officer, supervisor, or administrator who has put it all on the line, by either voluntarily risking his/her own personal safety to heroically serve and protect or who has made critical decisions or has taken preventive actions that ensured the safety and security of staff, inmates and the general public. additional hours and prioritizing the safety and security of staff, inmates, and the community, this individual has made a significant impact and exemplified the highest standards of professionalism in corrections.

DETENTION ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Awarded to a detention administrator/commander who has shown exemplary leadership and has contributed to the improvement of the jail environment positively for enhanced safety, security, and custody to benefit overall jail operations, officers, staff, inmates, and the general public.

DETENTION SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Awarded to a Certified Detention Officer serving in a supervisory capacity (Corporal and/or Sergeant) who excel in their positions and are highly regarded by their staff for their consistent leadership, integrity, understanding and support, both professionally and personally, during the past year.

DETENTION OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Awarded to a Certified Detention Officer, without regard to years of service, who has exhibited professionalism and dedication to the Office and the community during the past year.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Awarded to the Detention Center medical staff member who set the bar for jail medical programs and best represents the overall spirit of professionalism, caring, and dedication. This award is submitted by peer nominations from medical or detention staff members.

CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Awarded to a “non-certified” Detention employee serving in a support section of the Office who has who provided innovative ideas that enhanced the efficiency of the facility in line with the mission of the Office during the past year.