Crime & Safety
Middlesex Sheriff, Chiefs, Support Regional Lockup Facility Legislation
Legislation is in the works to establish a regional lockup for those awaiting arraignment, rather than keeping them in local facilities.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MA—Law enforcement officials from Middlesex County joined others on Tuesday to support legislation to allow county sheriffs to establish regional lockup facilities.
The bill, S.1300 An Act relative to regional lockup facilities, which is currently before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, would allow any sheriff in the Commonwealth to establish a regional pre-arraignment lockup facility for their county, according to the announcement from the Middlesex Sheriff's office. The legislation is supported by the Middlesex County Chiefs of Police Association.
“We are constantly evaluating how we can better support our local law enforcement colleagues,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian in a statement. “Regional lockup is one commonsense way. Our corrections officers are specially trained to work in jail settings to ensure the care and custody of detainees. Additionally, we have the dedicated medical staff necessary to evaluate and care for individuals with substance use and behavioral health issues. These are resources not readily available in municipal lockups.”
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The way it stands, when a suspect is arrested and awaiting arraignment, he or she is held in a local jail. Officials argue that to monitor and protect the arrestees, limited staff resources are needed.
“Establishing a regional lock up facility would allow for a more effective deployment of our manpower to more proactive police functions. It would also increase police presence within the community,” said Woburn Police Chief Robert Ferullo in a statement. “A regional lockup facility would be better equipped to detain prisoners in an environment that is designed specifically for the purpose of care and custody of prisoners by corrections professionals that are experts in their field.”
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According to the announcement, last session, the bill received a favorable report out of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
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