Massachusetts Department of Correction

06/01/2026

We are thankful to the Massachusetts State Police, local police departments, first responders, and fellow Massachusetts Department of Correction employees who helped honor Correction Officer John Edwards with a dignified es**rt from the hospital to the medical examiner's office yesterday.

The presence of our fellow law enforcement and public safety partners helps honor Officer Edwards and is a tribute to his 28 years of dedicated service. We are also grateful for the many messages of sympathy, prayers, and condolences that have been shared with Officer Edwards’ family, his colleagues at the North Central Correctional Institution and within the Department.

We will continue to honor Officer Edwards and provide support for his family, friends and loved ones in the coming days. His service will never be forgotten.

05/31/2026

It is with profound sadness that the Massachusetts Department of Correction announces the sudden line-of-duty death of Correction Officer John Edwards, a 28-year veteran of the Department assigned to North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner. This morning, Officer Edwards suffered a medical emergency at his post and passed away.

Commissioner Shawn Jenkins issued the following statement in tribute to the fallen officer:

“Today, we mourn the loss of Correction Officer John Edwards, who served the Department of Correction for nearly three decades with unwavering dedication to our public safety mission. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and offer them our full support in the difficult days ahead. His service will never be forgotten.”

05/27/2026

As the Commonwealth and the nation commemorate America’s 250th anniversary this year, the Massachusetts Department of Correction is proud to support patriotic observances across the state through its flag manufacturing program. Through MassCor, the DOC’s industries program, these flags are sewn by hand at our MCI-Framingham and MCI-Norfolk facilities and flown at public buildings, used in ceremonies, and placed at gravesites honoring our nation’s history and those who have served. 🇺🇸

Thank you to WCVB Channel 5 Boston for telling this story and sharing the pride that goes into every one of these flags.

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As demand grows ahead of the nation’s 250th celebration, inmates across Massachusetts are sewing thousands of American flags by hand.

05/26/2026

📚 The Massachusetts Department of Correction is hiring educators to join our team and make a meaningful impact through correctional education.

We currently have six open Teacher positions available across the Department. Interested candidates are invited to attend a Virtual Information Session on Thursday to learn more about teaching in a correctional setting, hear about the available opportunities, and ask questions directly to our team.

📆 Join the Virtual Information Session: Thursday, May 28 at 12 p.m.
🔗https://tinyurl.com/352s9u7w

🔹 Apply for available Teacher positions: https://tinyurl.com/56vbpmap

⏳ Applications close Friday, May 29, 2026.
Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team at [email protected].

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, the Massachusetts Department of Correction honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

05/22/2026

🎥 In the final video of our Align Initiative series, we’re highlighting the core priority of Communications & Data Sharing.

Strong communication and transparency are essential to building trust and strengthening collaboration. We’re focused on keeping staff informed through open dialogue with leadership, strengthening relationships with stakeholders, and effectively sharing the impactful work being done across the Department.

Learn more about how Communications & Data Sharing supports one of the six core priorities in our 5-year strategic plan.

05/21/2026

📱 The Massachusetts Department of Correction has implemented dedicated clinical tablets across all DOC facilities, giving medical and mental health clinicians real-time access to healthcare records to strengthen continuity of care for incarcerated individuals.

“These tablets will have a wide-ranging and positive impact on how we provide healthcare services to the individuals in our care,” said Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “In real time, team members can review, access and respond to an individual’s medical needs, while also recording important information to ensure continuity of care remains consistent.”

Implemented in partnership with VitalCore Health Strategies, the initiative is part of the DOC’s continued efforts to enhance healthcare, behavioral health, and su***de prevention services across the Department.

🔗 Read more: mass.gov/news/clinical-access-to-healthcare-records-through-tablets-implemented-across-all-massachusetts-department-of-correction-facilities

05/20/2026

Read more about the Massachusetts DOC employees recognized during yesterday's 29th Annual Excellence in Corrections Awards Ceremony, including the courageous and selfless actions that earned them recognition. ⬇️

We were proud to join the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in honoring 11 DOC employees for their bravery, professionalism, and commitment to public service.

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05/20/2026

As technology evolves, so do the security challenges facing correctional facilities. The Massachusetts Department of Correction is proactively preparing for the emerging trend of drones being used to introduce contraband into prisons by piloting drone detection technology, using DOC-operated drones for training exercises, and working with our law enforcement partners like the Massachusetts State Police.

Thank you to WCVB Channel 5 Boston for highlighting the important work being done to stay ahead of this growing national concern and protect staff, incarcerated individuals, and the public.

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Massachusetts prisons are addressing a growing threat: drones dropping contraband over prison walls.