Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Sgt. Lucy Larkins recently received the national designation of Certified Jail Manager (CJM) by the authority of the American Jail Association through its Jail Manager Certification Commission.

This certification is granted upon the successful completion of a rigid experiential background application and an intensive four-hour examination jointly prepared by the American Jail Association and the Jail Manager Certification Commission. Certification in jail management demonstrates competency and professionalism in the field, indicates a strong level of knowledge in the specialty and recognizes continuing education and growth.

Sgt. Larkins has been in the corrections field for 12 years. She began her career in 2008 at the Hendry Correctional Institute and later transferred to DeSoto Correctional facility in June 2011. She was employed by the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office in August 2011, where she has remained. Larkins was promoted to the position of sergeant in 2016.

She has an Associate of Science in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

While her position encompasses many tasks, Sgt. Larkins oversees training and education of both civilian and certified jail personnel on the subject of PREA, Prison Rape Elimination Act, as well as educating inmates about their rights regarding sexual abuse and harassment while incarcerated.

She manages the Inmate Work Program — Inmates who want to work while incarcerated complete an inmate application for review. She also reviews and classifies inmates who will be incarcerated longer than 72 hours, for housing purposes.

Sgt. Larkins currently is the manager of the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission for Accreditation.
She was recognized as the PREA Coordinator Classification Officer for 2013, Clewiston Elks Lodge Deputy of the Year – 2015, a graduate of the 30th Class of National Jail Leadership Commander Academy – 2018, and Detention Deputy of the Quarter – 2020.

The American Jail Association is a national, nonprofit, educational organization that delivers professional development, personal certification and advocacy services to correctional personnel at all ranks and operational levels in the nation’s 3,500-plus jails and detention facilities. It is the only association that focuses exclusively on issues affecting today’s jail professionals. The five-member commission is appointed by the association’s board of directors, and administers the Certified Jail Officer and Certified Jail Supervisor programs, in addition to the Certified Jail Manager program; sets policy; and assures the three programs reflect the changing needs of the profession.