Middlesex County Sheriff reduces jail population by 25% amid coronavirus crisis

image_pdfimage_print

Michael P. Norton
State House News Service

Electronic monitoring, bail review decisions and a decline in new arrests are among the reasons behind a nearly 25 percent reduction in the jail population in Middlesex County, Sheriff Peter Koutoujian announced Monday.

“On March 12, we had 787 people either sentenced or awaiting trial,” the sheriff said in a statement. “Today, we have 594.”

A recent high court ruling allowed certain individuals to revisit their bail conditions if they are being held on a pre-trial detention basis, and the jail population has also declined due to scheduled releases of sentenced individuals. The smaller population of incarcerated individuals has enabled the temporary closure of a fourth dorm-style housing unit and Koutoujian’s office says that move, combined with the lower jail population, has “allowed for an enhancement of social distancing practices” in the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction.

“The decisions we are making and the steps we are taking are focused on ensuring the safety of those in our custody, our staff and the communities we serve,” said Koutoujian. “We will not waiver from our commitment to meeting those objectives.”

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

Check Also

Eric Tabaro Nshimiye Mentorshark photo and one of the weapons used during the genocide by the Interahamwe, of which Nshimiye is accused of being a member . Department of Homeland Security photo.

Boston jury indictes Ohio man for alleged participation in Rwanda Genocide that killed 800,000

Defendant allegedly participated in killing of Tutsi men, women and children. “BOSTON – An Ohio …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Translate »