West Boylston – Highlighting the importance of information sharing between the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments, Sheriff Guy Glodis announced today the launch of a new inmate release email notification system, entitled A.L.E.R.T. (Area Law Enforcement Release Transmission).

“This new program is part of our ongoing effort to make the Sheriff's Department more proactive as a public safety resource for local police departments,” Sheriff Glodis stated.  "The A.L.E.R.T. Program will make it much easier for local officers to track sex offenders, drug dealers and violent criminals once they leave prison."

 The A.L.E.R.T. Program is a daily email, sent to area Police Chiefs, police officers, Detectives, and other public safety personnel that details all released inmates released the previous day from the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction.   Information regarding the inmate’s photos, pictures of scars and tattoos, last known address, most recent criminal offense, sex offender status, and gang affiliation will all be included in the email.

 Sheriff Glodis continued: “One of the most effective ways the Sheriff's Department can reduce recidivism is to work cooperatively with local law enforcement, utilizing our most important asset: information. And by making this information available as quickly as possible, police can stay one step ahead of repeat offenders.”

 The Sheriff likewise noted that sex offenders are required to register in their communities within 24 hours of their release.  The A.L.E.R.T. notification, he said, will be a useful tool in assuring their compliance.

 Among others, Police Chiefs and officers from Clinton, Paxton, Holden, Lunenburg, West Boylston, Northbridge, Uxbridge, Hubbardston, Webster, Worcester, Hardwick, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Charlton, Westborough, Auburn, Douglas, Princeton, Southborough, Sterling, Athol, Bolton, Sudbury and Blackstone have signed up for the program.