In The News
New Reforms and Programs | New Reforms and Programs |
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· Reformed and reduced worker’s compensation caseload from a high of 36 under the previous administration down to 7 current cases, more than an 81% decrease · Introduced NEADS dog training program at Almost Home house, pairing former inmates with dogs to train them as aids for disabled citizens · Created a Sex Offender Liaison for municipalities · Doubled size of Community Service Program, saving taxpayers over $3.8 million in the last three years · Creation of Gang Violence Prevention Officer position working with local police and vice squads · Working with Worcester Police Department, hosted annual Gang Awareness for Next Generation (GANG) anti-gang youth group at jail · Refused taxpayer funded Sheriff’s residence, and completed design for conversion into post-incarceration transition facility · Established new “zero tolerance” policy at jail, prosecuting inmates for drug possession and violent crimes while incarcerated · Instituted facility-wide no-contact visits. As a result, contraband and drug-related incidents have dropped over 90%. · Created new visitation policy, prohibiting ex-convicts from visiting the facility. This new policy has successfully blocked over 1,500 former inmates and ex-convicts from entering. · Initiated “File for Life” and “Beacon of Light” senior citizen safety programs · Began the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative with the MA Department of Revenue, identifying over $8 million in unpaid child support by current inmates · Successfully implemented Sheriff Information Reporting System at jail · Doubled the amount of random inmate drug testing · Established partnerships with local and regional public safety agencies, including CEMLEC, Central MA Drug and Counter Crime Task Force, Central MA Police Chiefs Association and NESPIN · Received Health Care Accreditation at the jail, by the National Commission for Correctional Health Care · Formally initiated national accreditation through the American Correctional Association · Joined the Central Mass. Elder Abuse Roundtable, and the Central Mass. Domestic Violence Roundtable · Doubled the amount of standing inmate head counts · Implemented new anti-nepotism policy for Sheriff and upper management staff · Successfully completed Safety and Fiscal audits by Department of Corrections and State Auditor’s Office · Reduced taxpayer expense by eliminating frivolous parade appearances · Abolished antiquated horse stables and converted into office space for Community Service Program · Increased the K-9 unit for assistance with internal security and mutual aid with local police departments · Established formal partnership with local SALT and TRIAD senior citizen groups · Announced creation of new Sheriff’s Office webpage · Completed demolition of the former Worcester County hospital on the grounds of the jail · Constructed state-of-the-art staff gymnasium to improve officer health and physical fitness standards · Established new Special Operations Group (SOG) team for tactical situation response and correctional safety
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