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MSA Did Not Establish Policies and Procedures for Coordinating and Standardizing Services and Programs at the Sheriffs’ Offices.

Without policies and procedures for coordination and standardization, it is possible that not all services and programs will be available at all sheriffs’ offices.

Table of Contents

Overview

In our review of all available MSA policies and procedures, we found that MSA had not developed any policies and procedures to ensure that the services and programs at the sheriffs’ offices were coordinated and standardized.

Without policies and procedures for coordination and standardization, it is possible that not all services and programs will be available at all sheriffs’ offices.

Authoritative Guidance

MSA’s budgetary language from Line Item 8910-7110 of the Commonwealth’s budget states,

The sheriffs shall appoint persons to serve as executive director, assistant executive director, research director and other staff positions [of MSA] as necessary for the coordination and standardization of services and programs, the collection and analysis of data related to incarceration, recidivism and generation of reports, technical assistance and training to ensure standardization in organization, operations and procedures.

Reasons for Issue

MSA told us that the previous executive director had not created policies and procedures to coordinate and standardize services and programs at the sheriffs’ offices.

Recommendation

MSA should develop and establish policies and procedures for the coordination and standardization of services and programs at the sheriffs’ offices.

Auditee’s Response

The Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association working closely with the 101 Commission and Legislative Leadership created a “Services, Programs, Interventions and Community Re-Investment Matrix” that now ensures the coordinated collection and standardized reporting of all services, programs and community reinvestments at the fourteen (14) Sheriff’s Offices. The MSA, working with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security recommended additional metrics to the Matrix to expand the efficacy of the reporting. The Matrix has been applauded and is a living document which will be updated, expanded and submitted annually as required by statute.

As noted above the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association created a Data Collection and Reporting Policy that will ensure the timely collection and distribution of all data and relevant information required under the purview of the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association.

Auditor’s Reply

Based on its response, MSA is in the process of addressing our concerns on this matter.

Date published: June 28, 2022

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