Massachusetts Senate Bill S1645

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

To codify the Suffolk County Sheriff’s authority to provide pre-arraignment care of arrestees

Impact

By establishing a regional lockup facility, S1645 is set to streamline processes within the law enforcement framework in Suffolk County. The bill emphasizes the sheriff's role in overseeing the lockup and appointing an administrator to manage its operations, which includes maintaining authority over the personnel and procedures involved in the care of pre-arraignment detainees. This change seeks to enhance efficiency in handling arrests and ensure that procedures conform to standards intended to protect the rights and safety of individuals in custody.

Summary

Senate Bill S1645 aims to codify the authority of the Suffolk County Sheriff to provide pre-arraignment care of arrestees, establishing a formalized process for handling individuals who have been detained but not yet arraigned. This legislation modifies existing statutes to ensure that the Sheriff's office can adequately manage the pre-arraignment phase, specifically through the establishment of a regional lockup facility. The bill outlines the requirements for the operation of this facility, the responsibilities of the sheriff, and the protocols for arrest and detention.

Contention

Despite the potential for improved operational efficiency, the bill may raise concerns from various stakeholders regarding the implications for community policing and local government oversight. Critics may argue that centralizing authority within the Sheriff's office could limit local police departments’ autonomy and their ability to address unique community needs when processing arrests. Furthermore, there may be debates surrounding the adequacy of facilities and resources required to support the increased responsibility of the sheriff's office in managing detainee care effectively.