The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is proud to announce it has officially received accreditation in both law enforcement and corrections, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s commitment to public safety, accountability and professional excellence.

Corrections Accreditation

MCSO’s Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) and Inverness Jail (MCIJ) have successfully completed the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association (OSSA) Jail Accreditation process, a rigorous evaluation that ensures compliance with industry best practices and legal standards.

The over 300 best-practice measurements, previously known as the Oregon Jail Standards, transitioned to OSSA’s Jail Accreditation in 2024. Facilities are required to meet:

• 100% compliance with statutory standards,
• 90% compliance with Tier 1 standards, and
• 80% compliance with Tier 2 standards.

MCSO was one of the first agencies to complete the accreditation process. The accreditation process started in the fall of 2023, for MCDC, and in the fall of 2024, for MCIJ. Both MCIJ and MCDC passed the evaluation process and received accreditation. 

Accreditation takes place every two years and is designed to raise the bar by improving management, reducing liability and creating consistency in the operation of all county jails in Oregon.

Law Enforcement Accreditation

In September 2024, MCSO earned law enforcement accreditation from the Northwest Accreditation Alliance, meeting more than one hundred standards that require ongoing documentation, compliance monitoring and a comprehensive on-site evaluation.

This achievement follows the requirements of Oregon House Bill 2162, which mandates that all law enforcement agencies with 100 or more sworn officers obtain accreditation by July 1, 2025. MCSO proactively pursued this designation ahead of schedule, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability and the highest service standards.

Commitment to Excellence

Accreditation is more than an award—it represents a commitment to continuous improvement. The process includes:

• Policy and Procedure Evaluation – Ensuring policies align with best practices and legal standards.
• Training & Professional Development – Enhancing staff competency through ongoing education.
• Accountability & Transparency – Strengthening public trust through oversight and ethical practices.
• Operational Efficiency – Optimizing resources for better service delivery.

Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell expressed pride in the agency’s achievement:

“Receiving accreditation is a testament to MCSO’s dedication to professionalism, integrity, and service. This accomplishment reflects the hard work of our team and our unwavering commitment to the people of Multnomah County.”

As part of maintaining accreditation, MCSO will undergo ongoing evaluations to ensure compliance with evolving standards. The agency remains dedicated to delivering the highest level of law enforcement and corrections services to the community.