The chaplain at the Madison County jail has been recognized for his work with people in custody. Pastor Ronald Benton was named West Tennessee's Program Facilitator of the Year by the Tennessee Corrections Institute, the Madison County Sheriff's Office said.
According to the sheriff's office, Benton leads programs that help people build skills and knowledge to make changes in their lives. Under his program leadership, the Madison County Corrections Division offers 10 evidence-based programs. The sheriff's office said the programs are designed to promote personal growth, accountability, education and reentry into society, and described the division as one of the top jail programming divisions in Tennessee.
Tier 1 certification
Benton's work also contributed to the Corrections Division earning Tier 1 certification from the Tennessee Corrections Institute this year, the sheriff's office said. The Tennessee Flyover, a statewide daily newsletter, highlighted the award on Sunday, describing Benton as overseeing programs that help inmates build skills and prepare for life after release.
A colleague's view
Chief of Corrections Eddie Dowdy said he has served alongside Benton for three and a half years. He said he has seen firsthand Benton's performance and leadership, and called him directly responsible for putting the division's 10 evidence-based programs in place. Dowdy said the Tier 1 certification would not have been possible without Benton's work ethic and commitment to building the programs division, and added that he is confident Benton will keep building on it.
Why programs matter
Evidence-based programming in jails is meant to help people prepare for life after release. The sheriff's office describes the Madison County programs as being aimed at reentry, accountability and education. The programs are offered at the Madison County Criminal Justice Complex, where Benton works with the Corrections Division.
The recognition is for program leadership, not for any individual inmate outcome, and the sheriff's office did not release data on results of the programs. Residents who want to learn more about the programs can contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office.
Sources: WBBJ, Madison County Sheriff's Office as reported by WBBJ, The Tennessee Flyover