Sheriff, Senator, Chiefs testify in support of regional lockup legislation

BOSTON – Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, Arlington Police Chief Fred Ryan and Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno testified October 14, in favor of legislation allowing county sheriffs to establish regional lockup facilities.

The bill – S. 1250 An Act establishing regional lockup facilities – was filed by State Senator Ken Donnelly (D- Arlington) who joined the sheriff and chiefs to testify before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Currently, all pre-arraignment arrestees in Middlesex County are held in local municipal jails. In order for police departments to monitor and protect these individuals, they are required to use limited staff resources which would otherwise be assigned in the field.

“Corrections officers at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office are specifically trained to handle detainees and work in a jail setting,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “We also have the dedicated medical staff necessary to evaluate and care for arrestees with substance abuse and behavioral health issues – a growing trend in Middlesex County and nationwide.”

“Having detainees held by the Sheriff allows us to free up more officers to build on what we do best – community policing,” said Chief Ryan. “It is also important we ensure those we arrest are held in custody in a dignified manner.”

“I was happy to file this bill this session,” said Senator Donnelly. “Regional lock-ups would play an important role by making sure that people arrested and detained are held in proper facilities with access to dedicated staff.”

“Getting this legislation passed is the number one legislative priority of the Middlesex Chiefs of Police,” said Chief Bongiorno, secretary of the group’s executive board.

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