Nominations for the Annual TJA Awards are now being accepted.

Award Nomination Form

Awards Policy and Procedure

  1. Purpose - The purpose of this policy is to govern the selection of Texas Jail Association Award Recipients in compliance with Section 5(D)(4) of the Bylaws of the Texas Jail Association.
  2. Effective Date:  03/14/2007
  3. Procedure
    1. The Awards Committee will serve to provide candidates for association awards to the President of the Texas Jail Association.
    2. The Immediate Past President will serve as Chairman of the Awards Committee.  In the event the Past President is unwilling or unable to serve as chair, the Council of Past Presidents will select one of their members to serve as Chairman of the Awards Committee.  The President shall appoint other members of the committee.
    3. The Awards Committee will solicit nominations for award recognition by publishing a call for nominations in the “Key Issues” publication at least once each year.  The Awards Committee may also seek nominations from any other source it deems appropriate.
    4. The Awards Committee will consider nominations for each of the Texas Jail Association awards identified in Section IV of this policy.  The Awards Committee has no duty to recommend individuals for award recognition if, in the sole opinion of the committee, no nominations meet the criteria set forth in this policy.
    5. The Chairman of the Awards Committee shall present the recommendations of the Awards Committee to the President of the Texas Jail Association no later than 30 days in advance of the Annual Training Conference.
    6. The President will provide the names of award recipients to the Executive Director.
    7. Upon notification that an award will be presented, the Executive Director of the Texas Jail Association will:
      1. Obtain a plaque for presentation to the individual at the Annual Awards Banquet; and
      2. Notify the Sheriff or Chief Executive of the recipient’s employing agency.
  4. Texas Jail Association Awards
    1. Detention Officer of the Year - Professional Service
      The award for Detention Officer of the Year - Professional Service is given to an individual working in county corrections who has demonstrated a commitment to professional service at their agency by making outstanding contributions to county corrections that exceed basic ability and expected performance.
    2. Detention Officer of the Year - Valor
      The award for Detention Officer of the Year - Valor is given to an individual working in county corrections who demonstrated courage or valor in the face of danger while in the performance of their official duties
    3. Hall of Fame Award
      The Hall of Fame Award is a tribute to the service of an individual who is the selected recipient.  This award recognizes an individual career of outstanding contributions to county corrections and the criminal justice system.  The recipient of this award has demonstrated a dedication to the advancement of the field of county corrections.
    4. Jerry Baggs Leadership Award
      The Jerry Baggs Leadership Award is given in recognition of Jerry Baggs who was instrumental in the creation of the Texas Jail Association and served at its first President.  Jerry Baggs’ extraordinary leadership and vision combined with his true devotion to the field of county corrections serves as an example to all that follow his path. This award is presented to an individual employed in the field of county corrections who has demonstrated leadership and a sincere commitment to the professional advancement of county corrections.
  5. President’s Award
    The President’s Award is presented to an individual that has provided service or support to the Texas Jail Association during the previous year.  This award is given at the discretion of the President and does not require nomination by the Awards Committee.
  6. Travel and Registration
    1. Individuals selected for recognition for an award listed in Section IV will receive complimentary registration for the Annual Training Conference.
    2. Individuals selected for recognition for an award listed in Section IV will receive hotel accommodations for the Annual Training Conference.