MA Correctional System

MA Correctional System

1. Department of Corrections (DOC)

   • Probation
     • Probation is a sentence served outside of jail/prison. People can be given stipulations like drug testing, obtaining employment, and more depending on the offense(s).
   • Rehabilitative Services
     • MA has inpatient rehab programs for sex offenders and drug/alcohol addicts. The goal of rehabilitation is to change the offender's behavior through education and therapy.
   • Community Service
     • Community service can be given as it's own sentence or as an addition to a sentence. Each hour of community service completed lowers the fine or restitution the person owes.

2. Office of Community Corrections (OCC)

   • Jail
     • Jail is used for short-term confinement. They are usually for more minor crimes and inmates who are awaiting sentencing.
   • Prison
     • Prison is for people who commit felonies and more serious crimes. The sentencing is much longer than jail sentences. There are multiple levels of prisons depending on the severity of the crime and the level of danger the person poses.
   • Hospital Corrections
     • Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit is for inmates who need medical care. They can receive medical, psychiatric, and rehabilitative services here.
   • State Hospital
     • Bridgewater State Hospital is where offenders may be sent for psychiatric evaluations.

3. Juvenile Corrections

   • Probation
     • Minors are often sentenced to probation as an alternative to incarceration. If they are non-violent and deemed safe to be in the community, most judges feel this is a better option. Incarceration can have detrimental effects on youth.
   • Community Service
     • Community service can be used to give back in the community. Sometimes the community service is done in the type of environment related to the offense.