In a significant move towards criminal justice reform, state officials in Massachusetts have announced the closure of MCI-Concord, the oldest men’s prison in the state, owing to a substantial decline in the prison population. The Department of Correction (DOC) revealed the decision on Wednesday, with plans to relocate the nearly 300 men held at MCI-Concord to other state prisons by the summer.
MCI-Concord, a medium-security facility in operation since 1878, is set to be closed as part of Governor Healey’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The governor’s proposal estimates cost savings of $16 million and avoids an expenditure of $190 million that would have been required for facility improvements.
DOC Commissioner Carol Mici emphasized the department’s commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources and the fulfillment of their rehabilitative mission. The prison, currently operating at around 50% capacity, reflects the broader trend of declining incarceration rates in Massachusetts.