Press Release  Milestone Achieved: Massachusetts Department of Correction Successfully Concludes Housing Operations at MCI-Concord

Concord — Today, the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) announced the successful conclusion of housing operations at MCI-Concord, the state’s oldest medium-security men’s correctional facility. Amid the state’s historically low prison population and continued recidivism reductions, MCI-Concord’s conclusion of housing operations reflects the Department’s ongoing efforts to shape the future of corrections in Massachusetts by enhancing operational efficiency, advancing cost-saving solutions, and deepening investments in programming and services. 

“The conclusion of housing operations at MCI-Concord reflects our commitment to re-imagining the future of corrections in Massachusetts by prioritizing operational efficiency and effectiveness while deepening investments in programming that promotes rehabilitation and recidivism reduction,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’d like to thank former Commissioner Carol Mici, Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins, and the DOC team for their thoughtful planning and successful implementation of the strategy to wind down facility operations and smoothly transition residents, staff, and programming to other DOC facilities.” 

“Concluding housing operations at MCI-Concord signifies a pivotal moment for the DOC and their continued efforts to advance operational improvements, safeguard the health and well-being of those living and working at DOC facilities, and increase investments in reintegration programs that enable individuals to lead productive lives and flourish in the community post-incarceration,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. 

The decision to end operations at MCI-Concord and relocate its staff and population was based on a thorough analysis of the facility’s expensive maintenance, age, and excessive space. Built in 1878, MCI-Concord’s aging infrastructure became too costly to maintain and would have required significant investments. 

In January 2024, the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget included a proposal to close MCI-Concord. The budget noted substantial savings, including nearly $16 million in operating costs and negating the need for $190 million in capital projects for decarbonization, cooling, and deferred maintenance at the nearly 150-year-old facility. 

Furthermore, the proposal allows the Department to dispose of the property, making it available for non-correctional purposes and potential redevelopment to the benefit of the surrounding community. MCI-Concord is located on approximately 37 acres and includes 18 buildings. 

“Strategically consolidating resources is not only financially prudent, but it also paves the way for operational improvements and reinvestment in the educational, vocational, and other rehabilitative services essential to successful reentry,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “I commend former Commissioner Mici, Interim Commissioner Jenkins, and their teams for their hard work in achieving this milestone and for the Department’s continued diligence in establishing a national model of corrections that promotes public safety and emphasizes rehabilitation.” 

“Closing MCI-Concord demonstrates the Department’s commitment to responsibly managing taxpayer resources while remaining dedicated to our rehabilitative mission,” said Interim DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “This intentional consolidation of resources eliminates redundancies and empowers us to oversee more efficient, effective, and impactful correctional systems for our incarcerated population, the people who work there, and the community.”

“Today marks a full circle moment for my hometown. In 1878, Concord petitioned the Legislature to locate the prison in West Concord upon the closure of the Charlestown Jail, and nearly 150 years later that prison is ceasing operations," said Representative Simon Cataldo. “MCI Concord's closure is a result of over two decades of landmark criminal justice reform enacted in Massachusetts. I applaud the Department of Correction for its partnership in these efforts.”

“Courtesy of the Department of Correction, one of the oldest and most distinguished towns in America is closer to gaining the equivalent of a whole new neighborhood,” said Senator Mike Barrett. "Kind of amazing, and a tribute to Massachusetts' capacity to renew itself.”

Before closing, MCI-Concord housed approximately 300 incarcerated individuals. As of June 28, these individuals completed the standard reclassification process and were reassigned to the appropriate facility based on security, service, and programming needs to best support individual rehabilitative goals. 

The DOC worked closely with MCI-Concord employees on their relocation to other facilities. Personnel reassignments positively impact the Department’s staffing capabilities across the correctional system. In security positions alone, vacancies dropped 48% from 702 to 340 after closing MCI-Concord.

MCI-Concord’s unique rehabilitation programming, including the nationally recognized Building Responsible Adults Through Validation and Education (B.R.A.V.E) Unit and advanced education offered by Tufts University has been transitioned to other DOC facilities. 

In addition, DOC has invited MCI-Concord’s volunteer organizations and independent volunteers to transition the programs they facilitate to other DOC facilities. For those unable to transition to another location, the Department offered the opportunity to continue programming in a virtual format. Virtual programming is made possible by the DOC’s innovative tablet program. 

Originally named the Massachusetts Reformatory at Concord, MCI-Concord served as a comprehensive training school for men under the age of 30 in the late 1800’s. DOC archives show that in 1893 the housed individuals learned trades, such as blacksmithing, shoemaking, carpentry, and farming, to assist in their reentry into the community upon release.

Under Massachusetts law, closing a correctional facility and disposing of the property requires the approval of the state legislature. The Administration’s FY25 Budget proposes language to address this requirement. Once approved, the DOC intends to transfer the property to DCAMM, allowing the property to be redeveloped for non-correctional purposes. DOC will continue maintaining and inspecting MCI-Concord regularly until future plans take shape.

###