Massachusetts Correctional Unions Oppose Consolidation, Seek Commission Deadline Extension

BOSTON — May 4, 2026 — Massachusetts correctional unions urged a legislative commission to reject any consolidation of county sheriff's offices with the state Department of Correction during a May 4 public hearing. Kevin Flanagan of MCOFU, which represents roughly 3,000 correctional professionals, told the Joint Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration that the DOC lost more than 120 officers in the past year while gaining only 45 recruits, and that synthetic drug K-2 has become so pervasive that ambulances now routinely post outside facilities like Old Colony Correctional Center to handle incapacitated inmates — and officers — during single shifts. Jeremy Carlton and Mike Kluge of the National Corrections Employees Union warned that consolidation would "inevitably invalidate" collective bargaining agreements covering roughly 1,500 members across nine counties, and Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi disclosed that his office has already laid off more than 35 employees amid funding inequities he said leave sheriffs $200 million behind the DOC despite housing fewer inmates. The commission voted unanimously to seek a budget amendment extending its reporting deadline from September 30 to November 30, 2026, with Co-Chair Senator William Brownsberger stating the panel should file final recommendations in time for a legislative response in the 2027 session.