The National Institute for Jail Operations hosts the annual Southern Regional Conference in the city of Mobile

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) – Work is in earnest at the Mobile Convention Center. The National Institute for Jail Operations is in town for its Southern Regional Conference.

But when the work is done, it's time to celebrate with a parade that's as mobile as possible.

“Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras, so we're going to give them a parade. It took off from there. We did a lot of planning as time went on. Several people donated to us, gave their time and their stuff. The Conde Explorers gave us floats. Everyone jumped in. And now we're here,” said Lt. Keenisha Wallace of the Mobile County Sheriff's Office.

The conference helps sheriff's offices throughout the region learn how to operate secure detention facilities and provides valuable training to attendees.

“Our profession requires us to operate a facility that is constitutionally safe. We want to make sure that we provide the best care and support possible to the people in our facilities. And that is all about training,” said NIJO Executive Director Tate McCotter.

Wednesday night's parade is a message of thanks and welcome from the Mobile County Sheriff's Office.

And our guests appreciate that.

“We have great officers who are doing their best. For this kind of love and recognition that the city of Mobile is giving us, thank you so much,” McCotter said.

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