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HD 4785

A communication from the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association (see Section 40 of Chapter 126 of the General Laws) submitting the aggregate data on the population of the Worcester County Correctional Facility for the fourth quarter of calendar year 2024

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association reports Q4 2024 Worcester County jail population data as required by state law for legislative oversight and planning purposes.

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Bill Summary · HD 4785

Legislative bill overview

This bill is a data submission from the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association reporting aggregate population statistics for the Worcester County Correctional Facility during the fourth quarter of 2024. It fulfills a statutory reporting requirement under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 126, Section 40, which mandates regular population data collection from county correctional facilities.

Why is this important

Correctional facility population data informs public policy decisions regarding capacity management, resource allocation, and criminal justice system planning. Regular reporting creates accountability and allows legislators and the public to track trends in county jail populations, which can indicate shifts in criminal justice practices or systemic pressures.

Potential points of contention

  • Data transparency limitations – Aggregate data alone may obscure details about inmate demographics, sentence lengths, or reasons for detention that could inform broader policy debates
  • Reporting lag – The data is from Q4 2024 but submitted in mid-2025, potentially limiting its utility for real-time decision-making
  • Incomplete picture – Population snapshots don't capture throughput, length of stay, or conditions that might raise concerns among criminal justice advocates

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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