FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2015

CONTACT: Peter Van Delft
(617) 704-6682

SHERIFF TOMPKINS INCREASES SNOW REMOVAL ASSISTANCE TO BOSTON

7 crews, 61 inmates and cadets will be deployed through Monday

BOSTON – Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins has ordered an increase in snow removal assistance to the City of Boston through Monday’s holiday. Starting today, seven Community Works Program (CWP) crews made up of 25 inmates will be deployed along with 36 cadets currently assigned to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Training Academy.

“I have been extremely proud of the work our officers and inmates in the Community Works Program and our cadets have been doing to help Boston, Revere, Chelsea and Winthrop dig out from our record–breaking snowfall,” said Sheriff Tompkins. “Our snow removal work has given inmates a chance to give back to the community and take pride in a job well done. Our cadets have demonstrated a commitment to public service that honors this Department and the people of Suffolk County.”

Crews will work directly with Boston’s Inspectional Services Division.

Yesterday, CWP crews cleared snow from American Legion Post #61 in Revere, the Revere Senior Center and the Beachmont Square area. Cadets have been assigned to assist the Chelsea Fire Department with clearing hydrants. Photos of our inmate and cadet crews can be found here.

The Community Works Program helps inmates gain work experience and build valuable skills that can help remove barriers they face to employment when their sentences are complete. Under the supervision of Deputy Sheriffs, inmates are assigned to tasks such as cleaning vacant lots, beautifying roadway intersections, painting street lamps and boarding and securing abandoned homes. CWP staff respond to requests for assistance from municipal governments, non–profits and the Commonwealth. Inmates volunteer to participate in CWP and must meet strict classification standards to be selected for the program.

Deputy Sheriffs maintain constant supervision of inmates when they are out on work details and provide on–site training to the workers. Inmates are offenders who have been sentenced to terms of two and a half years or less, and most serve their terms at the Suffolk County House of Correction. The Nashua Street Jail is used to house detainees who are awaiting trial. CWP workers are housed at the House of Correction.