Washington, DC - Imperial County, California has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents.

NACo recognized the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office the Day Reporting Center "Education has been proven to be one of the most effective methods in breaking the cycle of criminal activity.

The In and Out Program provides both inmates and community members an opportunity to view each other as fellow students and eventually fellow community members."

NACo President Riki Hokama, council member, Maui County, Hawaii, said, "The National Association of Counties applauds county governments that are embracing innovative and more effective ways to serve their constituents. The Achievement Awards recognize counties’ outstanding efforts to strengthen services and deliver results for residents across the country."

Nationally, awards are given in 21 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, environmental protection, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.

The awards will be presented at NACo’s 2015 Annual Conference and Exposition July 10–13 in Mecklenburg County, N.C. Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Award Program is designed to recognize innovative county government programs.

Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.