Massachusetts Department of Correction

Did you know that the Massachusetts Department of Correction's has a program that allows incarcerated individuals to train puppies to become service dogs to Veterans? Yesterday, MassLive.com featured a story about this unique program, speaking with its director, an incarcerated participant, and a recipient of one of the service dogs. Speaking about this program and what it means to the individuals apart of it, Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins said, “This gives them a sense of pride and gives them a sense of belonging and being able to be productive and give back to the community…” Incarcerated Individual, Edward Holloman, told MassLive the importance of the program and how it taught him, “be empathic, show me empathy, show me how to be compassionate. The love between me and the dog, it’s unbelievable.” The impact of the DOC’s America's VetDogs program goes beyond the puppy training. It allows individuals to give back to the community in a different way and allows the education of companionship. Thank you, MassLive, for telling this important story.

Don't forget, Daylight Saving Time is tonight! Turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed.

Have a safe and happy Halloween! 🎃

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Family Violence Education Group in MCI-Norfolk, and the MA DOC Victim Services Unit hosted a Walk to Commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Incarcerated individuals in Norfolk had the opportunity to take a pledge to end family and intimate partner violence, and to donate to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The event included a Clothesline Project, displaying T-shirts created by survivors currently in a local domestic violence shelter that are representative of their journey, and guest speakers Brad and Lisa Cowen, both longtime employees of the DOC, who shared their experience of losing their daughter, Amber Nicole Cowen, to domestic violence homicide.  

Recently, we visited Northeastern Correctional Center to check in with the NEADS World Class Service Dogs program. The individuals at NECC help train the dogs with basic skills before they graduate and move onto the more advanced skills. NEADS dogs are located at multiple facilities across the state, and it is an organization that trains dogs to assist individuals who have disabilities with everyday needs. 

Interested in a career as a Correction Officer? Join our Virtual Information Session! The Massachusetts Department of Correction is hosting a Correction Officer Virtual Information Session on Wednesday, October 30th via Zoom, and you’re invited! Learn about career opportunities, tips for applying through MassCareers, Civil Service Exam preparation, and Physical Assessment preparation. Don’t miss this opportunity to get all the info you need to start your journey as a Correction Officer!

Recruit Training Class 336 has been hard at work. They have been learning how to use the Inmate Management System (IMS), restraints, and searches. All these skills will be used in day-to-day operations once they begin working inside their respective facilities.

Are you looking for a job in the field of corrections? Apply now for immediate Correction Officer I openings at: https://lnkd.in/ez9aWRct To speak with someone regarding any questions you may have, please contact our Recruitment Team: DOC-Recruitment@mass.gov 1-866-WRK-4DOC https://lnkd.in/eCxPK4Qq

Are you looking for a job in the field of corrections? Apply now for immediate Correctional Program Officer A/B openings at: https://lnkd.in/gesUTFiE To speak with someone regarding any questions you may have, please contact our Recruitment Team: DOC-Recruitment@mass.gov 1-866-WRK-4DOC https://lnkd.in/eCxPK4Qq

📢 New Safety Measures Announced by MA DOC! The Massachusetts Department of Correction is taking decisive action to protect staff and incarcerated individuals by adopting a newly enhanced Unknown Substances Response Policy. This new initiative provides correction officers with advanced training, cutting-edge technology, and improved safety protocols to address the growing risks of illicit and hazardous materials in correctional facilities. In partnership with health and safety experts and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federal Union, we're committed to maintaining health and safety for all. 🛡️ Learn more about how we're strengthening our protocols to keep DOC facilities safe: https://bit.ly/4f9jKv1