Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Wins Top Awards for Innovative Programs

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has garnered significant recognition for its innovative programs aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting inmates. Under the leadership of Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, the office received two prestigious awards at the 2025 Law Enforcement & Corrections Awards Ceremony held on November 13, 2025. The ceremony, organized by the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association at the State House, celebrated outstanding achievements in law enforcement and corrections.

The awards included the Innovation of the Year Award for the newly established Older Adult Re-Entry (OAR) Unit and the Program of the Year Award for the Family Support Services Unit. Sheriff Koutoujian accepted the accolades on behalf of the dedicated staff who facilitate these critical programs. “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,” Koutoujian stated.

Innovative Initiatives for Inmate Rehabilitation

Since taking office, Sheriff Koutoujian has launched several initiatives to help prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society. One of the most notable programs is the Medication-assisted Treatment and Directed Opioid Recovery (MATADOR), which began in 2015. This program provides inmates with drug counseling and recovery support, ultimately earning recognition as one of the top five national “best practices” in 2018 from the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

The OAR Unit, initiated in late 2024 with assistance from Boston University and UMass Boston, is designed to cater specifically to individuals aged 55 and older. The unit’s programming and environment acknowledge the unique needs of older inmates, featuring an open layout with raised beds, age-friendly exercise equipment, rocking chairs, and a small library. This tailored approach aims to facilitate a smoother transition back into civilian life.

Additionally, the Family Support Services Unit, launched in 2020, focuses on providing support for the families of incarcerated individuals. This pioneering initiative has facilitated over 8,000 family interactions and has been recognized as a national model for similar programs.

State Support for Recycling in Lowell

In a related development, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced over $4 million in grants through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP). This funding is aimed at 280 municipalities across Massachusetts to enhance recycling, composting, and waste reduction efforts. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to minimize waste sent to landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Lowell has emerged as a significant beneficiary of these grants, securing $78,000 as part of the Recycling Dividends Program. This program supports municipal policies that maximize recycling and waste reduction, and Lowell was one of eight communities awarded over $50,000. Other communities receiving substantial amounts include Cambridge and New Bedford.

The SMRP has allocated over $60 million since its inception in 2010, funding various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. With urban centers like Lowell, Fitchburg, and Leominster facing increasing challenges in managing recyclable materials, this financial support is crucial.

The full list of SMRP awards, along with details on individual grants, is available on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection website. Through continued innovation and state support, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and local municipalities are taking significant steps toward creating safer and more sustainable communities.