Sheriff Koutoujian, Mayor Christenson visit CWP crew at Forest Dale Cemetery

MALDEN, Mass. – Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian and Mayor Gary Christenson met with inmates assigned to the Sheriff’s Community Work Program (CWP) on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.   The three-member crew repositioned fallen headstones and landscaped the grounds of the Forest Dale Cemetery in advance of Memorial Day.

“It was great to visit Forest Dale Cemetery and see the work being done by our crew,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “This is a tremendous way for our inmates to give back to the community, and get into the routine of working every day prior to their release.”

CWP crews are comprised of supervised teams of three to five inmates nearing the completion of their sentences.  They conduct painting, cleanup and other projects under the direct and constant supervision of a correction officer.  All inmates have successfully completed individualized treatment plans (which may include substance abuse, educational/ vocational and other programming) and have been screened and approved for participation.

“We can no longer do this work alone,” said Mayor Christenson. “And so to have the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff Koutoujian here to help us will go a long way in preparing the cemetery for Memorial Day.”

The MSO Community Work Program is provided at minimal costs to towns throughout Middlesex County.  Already this year crews have completed work in Malden, Medford, Melrose, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield and twenty-one other communities.

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