MSO IN THE NEWS-Tewksbury

California Paint Representatives, Football Coaches and players
gather after reviewing the completed project

On Tuesday, November 6, 2007 Sheriff James V. DiPaola visited the Tewksbury High School football field where a Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Work Crew recently completed a month long project. The inmate crew painted the newly reconstructed bleachers which were revamped by students from Shawsheen Technical High School. Supplies for this project were donated by California Paints. The labor provided by the work crew saved the Tewksbury community more than $8,000. Since 2006 Middlesex Sheriff’s Office work crews have completed numerous jobs for the Tewksbury School Department, totaling more than $43,000 in savings to the taxpayers.

Sheriff DiPaola met and spoke with Superintendent Christine McGrath, coaches and players from the Tewksbury High School football team and representatives from Shawsheen Tech and California Paints. “In public safety, just like on the football field, it takes teamwork to get the job done,” Sheriff DiPaola said. “Because of our partnership with Tewksbury Schools, Shawsheen Tech and California Paints, we brought together innovative resources and tackled a complex task. The combined efforts of our team allow Tewksbury fans to cheer on their home team with pride.”

The Community Work Program (CWP) brings eligible and suitable inmates into local communities to provide labor at no cost to the taxpayers. On average, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office CWP saves the taxpayers of Massachusetts $1 million a year. Service is provided to public property and public buildings under the supervision of a correction officer. Inmates provide strong manual labor and for specialty projects, such as painting, carpentry or masonry, inmates with talent and experience in those areas will be utilized.

Inmates involved in the program are from the minimum security facility at the Billerica House of Correction. They go through a rigorous screening process and caseworker review to ensure communities the safest, most trustworthy workers available. Inmates charged with violent or sexual crimes are not allowed to participate in the program. All inmates classified as eligible for this program are nearing the end of their sentence. CWP projects do not displace any public or private employees, nor do they interfere with union or the public bidding processes.

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