Jason Bennett completes NIJO ELITE Academy; Earns National Certification

Labette County, Kansas - October 1, 2026 - The Labette County Sheriff's Office is proud to congratulate Jason Bennett, Jail Coordinator, on successfully completing the ELITE Academy for Jail & Corrections Command Staff and earning the National Correctional Certification Executive (NCCE) credential through the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO).

The five-day ELITE Academy was held September 21-25, 2026, and brought together correctional professionals from across the country. NIJO developed the academy to provide legal-based training to jail personnel serving in leadership and command-level positions. The academy is designed for professionals including sheriffs, jail administrators, wardens, directors, and supervisors.

The comprehensive training addressed critical areas of correctional administration and leadership, including policy development, inmate rights, budgeting, inspections, correctional statistics, and essential leadership principles. Participants also had the opportunity to engage with corrections professionals from other agencies and discuss common challenges facing correctional facilities.

In addition to completing the ELITE Academy, Bennett successfully completed the requirements for the National Correctional Certification Executive (NCCE) certification. The NCCE challenges correctional professionals to demonstrate knowledge and competency in critical areas of jail operations, legal standards, risk management, inmate supervision, safety, security, and professional practices.

The certification and training reflect Bennett's commitment to continued professional development and to maintaining a strong understanding of effective, legally sound correctional practices. NIJO emphasizes legal-based administration and the importance of ensuring that correctional policies, procedures, operations, and training are consistent with constitutional and other applicable legal requirements.

"Our agency takes pride in investing in strong leadership and quality training. By investing in our people and providing them with opportunities for professional growth, we strengthen our ability to better serve our deputies, our agency, and our community. Jason's commitment to continued education and professional development is an excellent example of that commitment."

- Labette County Sheriff Darren Eichinger

The National Institute for Jail Operations was established as a resource for those operating jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities. NIJO provides legal-based resources and training intended to help agencies improve facility safety and security while addressing the legal and operational challenges faced by correctional administrators.

The Labette County Sheriff's Office congratulates Jason Bennett on this professional accomplishment and recognizes his continued commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to Labette County.