Press Release: 6/30/2026

MSO hosts law enforcement partners for special Frederick Douglass Project for Justice event

 

HomePosted on June 29, 2026 | Last Updated on June 29, 2026

 

BILLERICA, Mass. – Law enforcement members from across Middlesex County recently visited the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) for an opportunity to meet with incarcerated individuals and learn about innovative treatment programs and services being offered at the jail and house of correction.

The June 4 gathering was organized by Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian as part of a unique session of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, which has been running in Middlesex County since October 2024.  The goal of the Frederick Douglass Project is to bring community members into jails and prisons to build bridges and understanding between incarcerated individuals and those on the outside through meaningful dialogue.

The MSO had previously held two successful special sessions open to law enforcement and clergy as part of National Faith & Blue Week, but this was the first session just specifically for law enforcement.  Frederick Douglass Project Founder and President Marc Howard personally joined the event, facilitating the opening and closing dialogues around the small group conversations.

Before sitting with inside participants, law enforcement partners toured the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction, learning about the MSO’s Family Support Services Unit (FSSU), Housing Unit for Military Veterans (HUMV), emerging adult unit – known as People Achieving Change Together (P.A.C.T.) and educational initiatives.

“It was an eye-opening experience to participate in the Frederick Douglass Project - seeing firsthand how well the house of correction is run and the incredible programs in place to help those housed there succeed once released,” said Sherborn Police Chief Thomas Galvin.  “The time spent meeting and learning about the individuals in the program humanizes them as we often only see them on their worst day.  The conversations I had with one individual showed a person with a strong desire to do better for himself and his family.  The programs he has participated while inside have given him a path to future success.  I hope to have others in my department and community participate in future sessions.”

“What a great experience for our officers to be a part of,” said Marlborough Police Chief David Giorgi.  “The Frederick Douglass Project started by Marc Howard and implemented by Sheriff Koutoujian provides a unique opportunity for civilians to interact with inmates and our officers walked away with a new appreciation for the hard work that the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is doing to help incarcerated persons prepare themselves for reintegration back into our communities.  We were proud to participate at this event and look forward to sending more officers to attend future opportunities.”

In addition to Chiefs Galvin and Giorgi, District Attorney Marian Ryan and representatives of the Acton, Billerica, Boxborough, and Marlborough Police Departments and Middlesex District Attorney’s Office participated.  They were joined by members of the Norfolk (Va.) Sheriff’s Office, who were visiting as part of a national exchange. 

“We are grateful to Sheriff Koutoujian and the entire team at the Middlesex Jail for their partnership in bringing law enforcement professionals and incarcerated individuals together for honest and meaningful conversations,” said President Howard.  “In our criminal legal system, people often encounter one another only in highly structured and adversarial circumstances, with little opportunity to engage as fellow human beings. Opportunities like this create space for deeper understanding, challenge assumptions, and remind all of us of our shared humanity. Those conversations can be transformative and can contribute to positive change both inside correctional facilities and throughout the broader community.”

“I am incredibly grateful to our law enforcement colleagues who participated in this unique visit,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “We truly value their partnerships and the tremendous work they do to keep our communities safe.  We hope that sessions like this not only serve to provide them a greater window into the efforts we’re undertaking to prepare individuals for reentry, but also provide those in our care an appreciation for the humanity of these officers and their desire to improve the lives of all those they are sworn to protect.”

Members of the public interested in learning about how they can participate in a future Frederick Douglass Project for Justice visit to the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction – or a facility near them – can visit www.douglassproject.org for more information.

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