Sheriff Participates in Criminal Justice Reform Discussion

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian was in Washington, D.C. to discuss justice reform at a meeting hosted by the Coalition for Public Safety this month.

The Coalition for Public Safety is a non-partisan group that was founded earlier this year with a focus on making the “criminal justice system smarter, fairer and more cost effective at the federal, state and local level.”

The Sheriff was invited to present to participants from public, private and non-profit organizations with a law enforcement perspective on how the criminal justice system is working and efforts being undertaken in Middlesex County to strengthen the system.

“I want to thank the Coalition for Public Safety for the opportunity to speak about some of the efforts we have undertaken, particularly focusing on how we are attempting to utilize health insurance as a tool to ensure better continuity of care for those with mental health and addiction issues,” said Sheriff Koutoujian, in a press release.

“Today, one-third of those in my custody are being monitored for mental health issues and more than 80 percent self-identify with an addiction problem. Through greater access to health care services I believe we can have a significant impact on recidivism,” said the Sheriff.

“Leaving the meeting I am more convinced than ever the issue of justice reform knows no partisan boundaries,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “It is clear to me common ground exists on which we can build a more effective and efficient system that maintains public safety, while protecting valuable taxpayer dollars.”