29 January, 2020
BILLERICA, Mass. – Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian recently welcomed Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants and Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey for a listening session with individuals currently incarcerated at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction.
The event, held Wednesday, January, 22, was organized by the Massachusetts Trial Court in conjunction with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office. This is part of a continuing effort by the Trial Court to gather feedback from a diverse range of court users to better understand how the court can best serve the people of the Commonwealth.
The session at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction allowed a half-dozen incarcerated individuals to voice constructive thoughts and concerns to judicial leaders, pose general questions about processes, and discuss community-based resources. The feedback gathered will be reviewed along with that gathered during other listening sessions to identify ways to improve communications and services.
“It was an honor to welcome Chief Justice Gants, Chief Justice Carey and all those who participated in the listening session,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “This was an unprecedented opportunity for those in my custody to ask questions and provide thoughtful input that will help countless individuals across the Commonwealth as they interact with the court and criminal justice systems.”
“This was an opportunity to hear directly from incarcerated individuals about their experiences and their needs and concerns as they plan to return to their communities so we can better help them to navigate a successful transition,” said Chief Justice Gants.
“Our listening sessions at correctional facilities is part of a larger effort by the Judiciary to hear from a wide range of court users learn about their court experiences. These sessions help us better meet the needs of the people we serve,” said Chief Justice Carey.
In addition to Chief Justices Gants and Carey, other participants included Judge Kathe M. Tuttman, as well as probation and court security officials.
