Audit on the inside

Today was the beginning of a three-day long audit by the American Corrections Association (ACA). This group's accreditation is necessary for better funding and , though we are already accredited, we must be audited every three years. I have no doubt that this place will pass, but the administration is freaking, regardless.

They are worried about stuff that isn't even a part of a well-run unit. For the past few weeks, the paint crew has gone into overdrive. Walls, trim, doors, and new murals have been painted, which has probably created a hazardous place to live due to the fumes. There was nothing wrong with the most of the paint anyway. What's funny is seeing guys with the blue accents on their white uniforms from absentmindedly leaning against wet paint.

Even my boss has been stressing out. We've been told that the auditors will come in to ask questions and look at records. My boss has only been on the job since January and she hates to talk in front of people.

Today, when the auditors came in with the unit major, she froze up. As the questions came, she hesitantly answered. Seeing her fear, the major tried to help with the answers. One of the auditors' questions was about Spanish books, so I pointed out our small collection. From then on, the auditors directed their questions toward me. I wasn't sure if I should answer directly or defer to my boss, but the major gave me a silent nod as a go ahead. With his approval, I went on to answer more questions. The library audit took about ten minutes total before the auditors said thanks and moved on.

I was told this evening by a friend who works under the unit ACA coordinator that the library did well. Now my boss can stop the worrying. After two more days, I'm sure the whole administration will relax a bit.