On April 17, 2023, the National Institute of Corrections, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the faculty of the National Sheriffs’ Institute joined together at the FBI Training Academy, Hall of Valor, to recognize Correctional Program Specialist Panda Adkins for her ten years of outstanding service in support of the nation’s jails.
“Panda has played a critical role in grounding the work of the National Institute of Corrections Jails Division in cutting-edge initiatives, including Strategic Inmate Management curriculum and training and the expansion of the National Sheriff’s Institute Leadership and Jail Administration courses being delivered at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy,” said Stephen Amos, chief of the NIC Jails Division. “We are grateful for her leadership and dedication to service,” said Director (A) Alix M. McLearen, Ph.D.
Since receiving the award, Ms. Adkins has transitioned to her new role as the Program Director of the U.S. Department of Justice Jail and Justice Support Center, which is co-administered by the National Institute of Corrections and the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
The Jails and Justice Support Center is a national training and technical assistance hub created to guide jail administrators in establishing safe and humane correctional environments that effectively serve residents, visitors, and staff. The Center will deploy a cadre of subject matter experts to define constitutionally sound standards of practice and core competencies for jail facilities that draw upon consent decrees, Bureau of Justice Statistics jail mortality data, and other relevant research. The Center will then work directly with jails nationwide to conduct individualized assessments and deliver actionable recommendations for aligning existing practices, protocols, and training with constitutional standards and best practices.
