Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Earns National Recognition for Innovative Programs

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has received national accolades for its innovative programs aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting inmates’ reintegration into society. Under the leadership of Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, the office was honored with two prestigious awards at the 2025 Law Enforcement & Corrections Awards Ceremony held on November 13, 2025, in Boston. The office earned the Innovation of the Year Award for the Older Adult Re-Entry (OAR) Unit and the Program of the Year Award for its Family Support Services Unit (FSSU).

The OAR Unit, launched in late 2024 in collaboration with Boston University and UMass Boston, caters specifically to individuals aged 55 and older. The program addresses the unique needs of older inmates as they prepare for their transition back to civilian life. Designed with an open layout that features raised beds and thicker mattresses, the unit includes amenities such as age-friendly exercise equipment, rocking chairs, and a small library. This environment encourages cognitive engagement through various programming aimed at keeping older inmates mentally active.

Similarly, the Family Support Services Unit, initiated in 2020, has become a national model by providing essential support to the families of incarcerated individuals. This initiative has facilitated over 8,000 family interactions and is recognized as a pioneering effort to strengthen familial bonds during incarceration.

Sheriff Koutoujian expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “The officers and civilian staff members who facilitate these vital programs are outstanding professionals who work tirelessly to make our communities better places to live and work.” His leadership has fostered a culture of innovation at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, evident in the successful implementation of various initiatives, including the Medication-assisted Treatment and Directed Opioid Recovery (MATADOR) program launched in 2015. This program provides drug counseling and support for recovery to inmates, and was recognized as one of five national “best practices” by the National Sheriffs’ Association in 2018.

The awards ceremony, organized by the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association, celebrated individual and organizational excellence in law enforcement and corrections. The recognition of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office reaffirms its commitment to developing programs that not only support inmates but also enhance community safety and welfare.

In addition to these achievements, the office continues to explore innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by inmates and their families, ensuring that its programs remain effective and impactful. For more information about the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and its initiatives, visit www.middlesexsheriff.org.

On a related note, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced over $4 million in Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grants aimed at enhancing recycling and waste reduction across Massachusetts. This funding will assist 280 municipalities and regional groups in implementing strategies to maximize recycling and composting efforts. The initiative aims to minimize landfill waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance community resilience.

Among the beneficiaries, Lowell received significant support, with total funding of $78,000, making it one of the top recipients. The city’s funding will contribute to its ongoing efforts to improve recycling infrastructure amid rising disposal costs for recyclable materials. Other communities also received grants, underscoring the state’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices.

Overall, the initiatives spearheaded by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and the recent state funding for recycling underscore a broader commitment to innovative approaches that enhance community well-being and environmental sustainability.