Sheriff Koutoujian

I have built my role as Middlesex Sheriff on a solid foundation of integrity, initiative and innnovation. Since I took office, these tenets have guided me as we have restored public confidence in this historic office, pursued strong and lasting partnerships and instituted modern resources and policies.

Effective and efficient public safety can only come from forward-thinking. Together with the dedicated and selfless men and women of the Middlesex Sheriff's Office, I have worked for smart solutions, taxpayer savings and safe streets.

Integrity

Prohibited campaign donations from employees
Mandated that all employees recieve training in ethics and campaign laws from OCPF
Instituted promotional exams for professional advancement
In the process of obtaining accreditation from the American Correctional Association
Conducted an independet audit of the department, locating and rectifying wasted resources and areas of savings to the taxpayers
Created in-house newsletter and Employee of the Month program to recognize the hard work of the men and women on the tier

Initiative

Graduated the first Basic Training Academy class in 5 years to provide much needed help on the tiers
Increased the Community Work Program to save taxpayers $1.5million in 2011, a 50% increase over 2010
Sent the Middlesex Sheriff's Office Marine Unit to State Surplus so a more suitable agency could benefit
Began new inmate educational and vocational programs, such as Xerox Corrections to Career and Custodial Certification
Created a partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services to provide programs for both employee and inmate military members
Forged a partnership with UMass Lowell to compile statistical data on public safety matters

Innovation

Installed state-of-the-art videoconferencing to reduce inmate transportation and increase safety
Installed full-body scanners, similar to those found at airports, to allow faster, safer detection of contraband
Allowed the first female detainee in recent history onto the electronic monitoring program
Updated technology for inmate tracking and inmate management
Sought new ways to improve inmate medical care & reduce costs; resulted in several new policies, including enrolling inmates in MassHealth prior to release
Lo/Jack SafetyNet brings tracking technology to seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia to allow for quick location in the case of a missing person