Massachusetts Department of Correction

11/09/2026

🎉 Please join us in congratulating our recently promoted staff members on their significant career milestones! Behind each promotion are years of experience, hard work, and a commitment to the staff and communities they serve. Their achievements reflect the talent and dedication of DOC staff, and we're excited to join them in celebrating this next chapter in their careers.

Promotions:
Cheryl Van Scyoc — Deputy Commissioner of Human Resources
Jake Okerfelt — Director of Security, Old Colony Correctional Center
Ana Rosas — Deputy Director of Communications
Alexander Inglese — Director of Facility Maintenance, MCI-Shirley

Congratulations, Cheryl, Jake, Ana, and Alexander! Thank you for your hard work, and we can't wait to see all you accomplish in your new roles! 👏

11/06/2026

🚨 Interested in a rewarding career in public safety? Join the Massachusetts Department of Correction Recruitment Team at our upcoming Career Expo and explore what it takes to become a Correction Officer!

Meet members of our Recruitment Team, learn about the hiring process, explore career opportunities, and discover the benefits of joining the DOC.
📅 Saturday, December 5
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Shirley Training Academy, 100 Harvard Rd., Shirley, MA

See the flyer below for additional event details and register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/HGFGUvCMnp?origin=lprLink

11/05/2026

🎓 For the third consecutive year, educational program completions are on the rise across the Massachusetts Department of Correction.

During the 2025–2026 school year, individuals achieved 1,572 educational program completions, a nearly 34% increase over the past three years! 📈

This year's achievements include 104 high school equivalency diplomas, 90 college degrees and certificates, and hundreds of vocational and career training certifications. College course offerings also reached a record high, while learners logged more than 672,000 hours of educational engagement through DOC-issued tablets. 📚

These milestones reflect the dedication of our DOC educators, staff, and higher education partners who continue to create opportunities for learning, personal growth, and successful reentry.

🔗 Read the full press release: mass.gov/news/massachusetts-department-of-correction-reports-more-than-1500-educational-program-completions-marking-third-consecutive-year-of-growth

11/04/2026

👮‍♂️ RTC 340 👮‍♀️

Recruit Training Class 340 continues to build the knowledge and skills essential to a career in corrections. Recently, recruits have received instruction in the Department's Incident Management System, interpersonal communication, de-escalation techniques, and situational awareness as they progress through the academy.

Recruits also had the opportunity to meet with Commissioner Shawn Jenkins, gaining valuable insight into the Department’s mission and the responsibilities that come with serving as a correction officer.

As their academy journey continues, RTC 340 remains focused on developing the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to serve safely and effectively.

11/03/2026

Last week, we were proud to participate in the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Emerging Adult Summit, celebrating Five Years of Expanding Partnerships in Support of Justice-Involved Emerging Adults.

The Summit brought together government leaders, community-based service providers, individuals with lived experience, academia, law enforcement, and organizations engaged in research, practice, and policy to share promising practices and strengthen collaboration in support of emerging adults across the Commonwealth.

As part of the event, Commissioner Shawn Jenkins moderated a panel featuring higher education partners and students, highlighting the importance of educational opportunities, partnerships, and student perspectives. Chrissy Ruuska, DOC's Director of Survivor Services & Restorative Justice Practices, also presented on the Department's Restorative Justice programs and Family Reentry Conversation Initiative, showcasing efforts to promote accountability, healing, and stronger family connections.

We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to these important conversations and remain committed to building partnerships that support successful reentry and positive outcomes for emerging adults.

🔗 Learn more about this event: https://www.mass.gov/news/5th-annual-massachusetts-emerging-adult-summit-highlights-five-years-of-collaboration-to-support-justice-involved-young-adults

11/02/2026

🚨 Ready for a career that makes a difference? Your next opportunity starts here!

Our Recruitment Team will be out at events across the state and hosting virtual information sessions throughout the month. Stop by and learn more about a rewarding career as a Correction Officer with the Massachusetts Department of Correction!

📅 Explore upcoming events and virtual sessions: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recruitment-monthly-calendar

Ready to apply for the Correction Officer I Civil Service Exam?

🗓️ Application Deadline: January 5, 2027
📝 Written Exam: February 5 & 6, 2027

🔗 Apply here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/civil-service-examination-schedule

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween! We're celebrating with a look back at some spooktacular fun! 👻

The Employee Assistance Unit (EAU) recently brought the Halloween spirit to our staff, their families, and the general public with their annual Trunk-or-Treat event! Our comfort dogs donned costumes of their own to spread smiles, joy, and some candy. 🍬🐾

This was a wonderful day filled with treats, happy faces, and community spirit to celebrate the Halloween season. We wish everyone a safe and fun Halloween! 🎃

10/29/2026

🎉 Celebrating new milestones across DOC! Congratulations to five members of the Massachusetts Department of Correction team on their promotions:

• Rhonda Cummings — Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Old Colony Correctional Center
• Michael Shadd — Director of Food Services, Northeastern Correctional Center
• Frank Deleo — Director of Food Services, Central Office
• John Rose — Construction Operations Manager, Division of Resource Management
• Ronald Raymond — Director of Security, North Central Correctional Institution

Each new role represents an opportunity to contribute, lead, and make a difference across the Department. Join us in celebrating their achievements and wishing them success in their next chapter! 👏

10/28/2026

On National First Responders Day, we proudly recognize the dedication and service of our correction officers, correctional program officers, and the medical teams working in our facilities. We are also thankful to the many first responders and law enforcement partners we work alongside every day.

We are grateful for the strong relationships between law enforcement partners and the collaboration that allows us to better serve and protect our communities.

Thank you to all first responders whose commitment, professionalism, and service are unwavering.

10/27/2026

Thank you to for joining us for an inside look at the Reintegration House at MCI-Framingham and highlighting the impact of this important initiative as its first residents now call the house home.

With residents settling into the Reintegration House, this innovative pre-release program is helping women prepare for life after incarceration by providing a structured, therapeutic environment where they can develop practical life skills, strengthen family connections, and build a strong foundation for their return to the community.

We appreciate the opportunity to share the House's progress and highlight the perspectives of both a current resident and Commissioner Jenkins on the importance of supporting successful reentry. A special thank you to our dedicated Correctional Program Officers, whose continued commitment and hard work are helping make this initiative a success.

🔗 Watch NBC10 Boston's coverage here:

Massachusetts’ Department of Correction has opened its first ever reintegration house for female prisoners. There, the incarcerated people are given tools and support for their release back into the community.