Mass DOC to make cuts -- Inside America's Correctional Facilities

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Date Posted: 09:55:19 02/10/02 Sun
Author: MAJ
Subject: Mass DOC to make cuts

By Ernie King
The Gardner News

With the Department of Corrections facing a projected shortfall of close to $13 million in the next fiscal year, the department has been searching for ways to save money.

Justin Latini, a spokesperson for the DOC said the department is looking at a three percent reduction in its budget for the coming fiscal year. He said the department has already taken some cost cutting measures and is examining others. He said the department has closed its Park Drive Pre-release Center and is consolidatd with the Morton Street Pre-release Center located in the Boston area.

Latini said the department is selling off the milk pasteurization plant located at MCI Concord's farm along with 75 cows. The dairy component at Concord provided milk processing plant in the state.

"We have also cut a $4.8 million detox facility that was planned for MCI Framingham," Latini said. "Now instead of having a new building, the program will be housed inside Framingham."

Latini said other cost cutting measures include eliminating some training for corrections officers, teacher lay offs and some early retirement incentives.

Although there were many rumors in the Greater Gardner area which centered on the closing of North Central Correctional Institution, Latini said the institution was safe, at least for the present time.

"The commissioner is examining several options of closing or consolidating facilities," he said. "No institution has been chosen and no date has been set yet. Right now we are cutting projects and avoiding laying off staff."

"If any institution is closed or consolidated, inmates and staff will be sent to other facilities," Latini said. "Inmates would be sent to institutions matching their security level. Our primary concern is public safety."

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