AJA Membership
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Invest in your future . . . JOIN AJA!
By joining the American Jail Association (AJA), you become part of a powerful national network of individuals, agencies, and organizations who share your interests, goals, and concerns in the Corrections profession!
An AJA membership is an investment in your career. You receive immediate returns, such as our bimonthly magazine, American Jails, which provides cutting-edge articles from the trenches. Members also receive discounts on our educational and certification opportunities that offer both professional development and recognition. Most importantly, our AJA’s Annual Conference & Jail Expo provides you the opportunity to learn, be involved, and inspired. Members receive a reduced registration fee and may choose from over 40 workshops to improve their facilities and careers.
AJA is committed to supporting your career and your profession! Join today and be a part of the change!
Find a detailed list of membership categories and benefits here, or check out our free membership opportunities here.
Click here to download the interactive membership application.
Membership Benefits
Invest in your future, join AJA. We are committed to supporting your career and your profession! Access our Membership Application via PDF printout here.
When You Join AJA, You Invest in Your Career and Receive Immediate Returns. By being an AJA member, you are giving yourself very significant career advantages. You will have access to:
- Numerous opportunities for continuing education, including training provided by the best and the brightest in the field;
- Future trends and research on all facets of jail management and operations;
- The opportunity to communicate with others from different regions of the country regarding issues and concerns specific to jail operations;
- The award-winning, bimonthly, American Jails magazine designed to expose AJA members to modern jail conditions and techniques that encompass much more than just locking people up;
- Highly acclaimed training materials in written and video form. AJA's training materials are renowned for being professional, practical and affordable.
By Joining AJA, You are Helping to Support and Advance Your Profession. AJA members have the opportunity to provide leadership by:
- Writing articles for American Jails magazine;
- Participating as instructors at our Annual Training Conference & Jail Expo, as well as at our regional seminars;
- Serving on AJA committees;
- Serving on the AJA Board of Directors.
AJA Membership Offers Opportunities for Professional Recognition. AJA recognizes its most dedicated members and devoted professionals by presenting them with awards at the Annual Training Conference & Jail Expo. Awards are given for:
- Correctional Administrator of the Year
- Correctional Supervisor of the Year
- Correctional Officer of the Year - Male and Female
- Civilian Employee of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
As an AJA Member, You Will Have a Powerful National Network - which means personal contacts across the country with people who share you interests, goals, and concerns.
Jail staff have the unique responsibility of managing and supervising people who have been charged with, or convicted of, violating our laws. In addition to managing persons who are awaiting trial or serving sentences, jail staff have the difficult task of dealing with new arrestees, many of whom are intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs; and some of whom are suffering from mental illness, exhibiting suicidal behavior, or having any combination of these conditions. Many jails are crowded, understaffed, and are lacking adequate funding. The AJA network offers invaluable opportunities to find alternative solutions to problems by tapping the experience and resources of other AJA members.
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