Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why has the National Guard been activated to work in the Department of Correction (DOC)?
A: The Massachusetts National Guard (MANG) was activated as a contingency measure to support the Department of Correction (DOC) in the event of a possible reduction in correctional staff due to noncompliance with Executive Order 595. The availability of support from the National Guard will safeguard DOC operational continuity and continuing access to services and programming for inmates.
Q: What contingency measures are in place? What will the National Guard be doing to support the DOC?
A: DOC is prepared for staffing constraints and will take whatever steps are necessary to operate all correctional facilities. Under this contingency plan, the DOC will transfer correctional personnel from its transportation, perimeter patrol, and building security functions to roles within various facilities. MANG personnel will fulfill these security roles, which do not require direct contact with inmates. In the case of transportation functions, which involve limited contact with inmates, the MANG personnel will perform those duties alongside qualified correctional professionals.
Q: How many National Guard personnel will be involved?
A: The Governor’s activation makes up to 250 MANG personnel available. Beginning the week of Tuesday, October 12, DOC will begin training to ensure every activated member of the National Guard is equipped to serve at any of its facilities.
Q: What facilities will the National Guard be present in?
A: The DOC will assess which facilities may require staffing support and will deploy resources as needed. The training MANG personnel will receive can be applied to security and transportation functions at any correctional facility.
Q: Is the National Guard equipped to do this work?
A: The Massachusetts National Guard trains regularly with law enforcement, civilian, and other military agencies to provide a broad spectrum of services in support of security, logistics, disaster relief, and other missions. The Guard has a proven track record of success supporting civilian authorities. Their frequent side-by-side training with state and local first responders makes them well-suited for a variety of missions, including this one.
All MANG personnel involved in this support effort will receive additional training by the DOC to ensure each member is equipped to serve in this function. All MANG personnel must be fully vaccinated and pass a CORI check. Those providing transportation for inmates and perimeter patrol must maintain an active driver’s license with a good driving history. Throughout this support effort, MANG personnel will comply with all regular DOC health and safety measures.
Q: How long will the National Guard provide support?
A: The Governor’s activation does not include an end date and will continue according to the needs of the DOC.
Q: Will my loved one who is incarcerated encounter a National Guard member?
A: Daily life within each facility will continue normally and inmates will continue living under the care of qualified correctional professionals. These external changes will not bring them into contact with any member of the National Guard.
In limited circumstances when an inmate requires transportation outside their facility, they will encounter MANG personnel working on a transportation unit alongside qualified correctional professionals.
Q: What COVID protocols are in place to keep my loved one safe?
A: Commonly-asked questions regarding the DOC’s response to COVID and the steps the DOC has taken to help protect the health of employees and inmates can be found on our website.
Q: Will programming and visitation continue normally?
A: These plans were put into place to pursue a continuity of operations across all DOC facilities so programming and services for inmates may continue. That said, modified operations at facilities may be necessary to ensure the safety of inmates, staff and the public.