Renovations - Sheriff McCabe, who was elected in 1993, cleaned up the jail he inherited with conditions described as worse than a Third World country. On July 11, 2000, the Virginian Pilot reports "After 7 years and nearly $30 million of renovations, the U-S Justice department dropped its long-running investigation into civil rights violations at the City Jail."

Spiritual Support - Sheriff McCabe hired a full time chaplain and assistant who provide spiritual programs, support and intervention. Other religious leaders also come into the jail to minister and counsel inmates. The organized ministry includes Sunday worship, Bible study and special cellblocks for men and women, with a 90-day spiritual Renewal Program.

Accreditation - On January 22, 2004, The Norfolk Sheriff's Office became the 52nd law enforcement agency in Virginia to achieve Accreditation.

100 % Compliance - The Sheriff brought the jail into 100% compliance with state life health and safety standards for the first time ever.

Jail Expansion - In 1997, McCabe helped open a multimillion-dollar jail addition to ease crowding.

New Jail - The Sheriff partnered in the construction of the Hampton Roads Regional Jail, where 250 Norfolk inmates are housed.

Public Access - Since the beginning of Sheriff McCabe's tenure, the jail has been open to the public.

Better Inmate Medical Care - The jail gained compliance with the Board of Corrections Life, Health and Safety Standards. It also received accreditation by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

More Deputies - Sheriff McCabe beefed up jail security by hiring 200 new deputies since 1993.

Inmate Grievance - The Sheriff developed an Inmate Grievance process that dramatically improved inmate behavior.

Staff Development - Sheriff McCabe created a Sheriff's Office Training Academy to train all deputies and staff in the most up-to-date correctional methods.

Citizen Input - McCabe instituted a Citizens Advisory Council to oversee all operations and provide feedback.

Internal Affairs - The Sheriff created an Investigative Division and Internal Affairs Unit to review all allegations of impropriety.