Press Release  Massachusetts Department of Correction Announces Plan to Conclude Housing Operations at Old Colony Correctional Center-Minimum Security Facility

Milford — Today, the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) announced plans to conclude housing operations at the Old Colony Correctional Center minimum-security men’s facility (OCCC-Minimum) as part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to enhance operational efficiency, advance cost-saving solutions, and deepen investments in programming and services. 

The strategic decision to end operations at OCCC-Minimum and relocate its population and staff is based on a thorough assessment of the facility’s age, maintenance needs, and required renovations. Continuing housing at OCCC-Minimum would have otherwise required approximately $2.6 Million in deferred capital investments. 

OCCC-Minimum is a prefabricated modular structure constructed 40 years ago and located on the DOC’s Bridgewater campus alongside Bridgewater State Hospital, the Massachusetts Treatment Center, and the Old Colony Correctional Center-Medium Security Facility. The aging modular unit has structural challenges that would require significant financial and capital investments to resolve.  OCCC-Minimum is the only unit closing on the campus. 

The 40-year-old structure was built to accommodate approximately 160 individuals and currently operates at 44% capacity with an incarcerated population of 70. The 70 individuals housed in OCCC-Minimum will complete a reclassification process and be transferred to other appropriate minimum-security facilities based on care, services, and programming needs. These individuals will move to various minimum-security locations, including Boston Pre-Release Center, Northeastern Correctional Center, and Pondville Correctional Center. The DOC expects all individuals will relocate by October 31, 2024.

Additionally, the Department will re-assign the 26 correctional staff at OCCC-Minimum to OCCC-Medium, located on the same campus. 

“The strategic consolidation of DOC resources reflects the Department’s ongoing dedication to the responsible management of taxpayer resources while improving operations, upholding its rehabilitative mission, and delivering effective services to those under their care,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “I commend Interim Commissioner Jenkins and his team for their hard work and continued efforts to deliver an effective correctional system for the incarcerated population, DOC staff, and the community that strengthens public safety and continues to lead the nation in recidivism reduction.”

“The historically low population within the DOC allows us to assess our facility needs in order to be a fiscally responsible partner in the state of Massachusetts,” said Interim DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “The DOC will continue to empower our housed individuals to succeed upon release and we believe the closure of this facility and relocation of the current population will help them flourish.”

In July, the DOC announced the successful conclusion of housing operations at MCI-Concord, a decision that saves nearly $16 million in operating costs annually. In June 2023, the DOC completed a phased plan to end housing operations at MCI-Cedar Junction. 

The Massachusetts Department of Correction is dedicated to enhancing public safety through the secure, humane, and efficient operation of correctional facilities. The Department remains deeply committed to rehabilitating those entrusted to their care and reducing recidivism through effective programming and services aimed at empowering individuals to prepare for a successful reintegration into society.  

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