Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Earns Top Honors for Innovative Programs

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has achieved notable recognition at the 2025 Law Enforcement & Corrections Awards Ceremony, securing two prestigious awards for its innovative programming aimed at reducing recidivism. Under the leadership of Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, the office was awarded the Innovation of the Year Award for the new Older Adult Re-Entry (OAR) Unit and the Program of the Year Award for its Family Support Services Unit.

The ceremony, hosted by the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association at the State House on November 13, 2025, celebrated individual, team, and organizational excellence in law enforcement. Sheriff Koutoujian accepted the awards on behalf of the dedicated staff responsible for these groundbreaking initiatives.

The OAR Unit, launched in late 2024 with support from Boston University and UMass Boston, is specifically tailored for incarcerated individuals aged 55 and older. Designed to meet the unique needs of older inmates, the unit provides a supportive environment that differs significantly from traditional jail settings. Features include an open layout with raised beds, thicker mattresses, age-friendly exercise equipment, rocking chairs, and a small library, all aimed at facilitating a smoother transition back into civilian life.

Meanwhile, the Family Support Services Unit, initiated in 2020, is recognized as a pioneering initiative in the nation. This program enhances support for the families of incarcerated individuals, managing over 8,000 family interactions to date. Its impactful approach has garnered national attention as a model for similar programs across the country.

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has consistently remained at the forefront of developing innovative methods to address the challenges of incarceration and reintegration. The recognition of these initiatives at the awards ceremony underscores the office’s commitment to improving community safety and reducing recidivism.

For more information about the programs and initiatives of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, interested individuals can visit their official website at www.middlesexsheriff.org.