DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT
The primary mission of the Berkshire County Sheriffs Office is to “Protect the public from criminal offenders by operating a safe, secure and progressive correctional facility while committing to crime prevention awareness in the community”. We accomplish our mission by:
MISSION STATEMENT GOALS
A. Maintaining a safe and secure direct supervision correctional facility in compliance with national standards, laws, judicial decisions, and best practice .
B. Exploring innovative and cost effective alternatives to incarceration, including re-entry, and aftercare programs that reduce recidivism, promote public safety, and improve the effectiveness of the Berkshire County Sheriffs Office
C. Pursuing the fair and equitable treatment of inmates while respecting the rights and dignity of all persons (i.e., CORI, Victim/Witness Program, ADA, PREA, and LGBTQI).
D. Creating a just and fair environment that encourages positive behavior from offender (i.e., Direct Supervision Management, Treatment Environment).
E. Promoting education, treatment and social responsibility in an effort to successfully re-integrate criminal offenders to society (i.e., High School Equivalency Certificate, Substance Abuse, Job Training, Life Skills, and Parenting Programs).
F. Developing public safety initiatives, volunteer and support programs for the prevention of criminal activity and providing the community with pertinent information (i.e., DARE, Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program, Public Information Initiatives and TRIAD).
G. Seeking the highest level of professionalism, through support, motivation and training for all employees with accountability to the public we serve.
H. Safeguarding the assets of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts aIIocated to Berkshire County Sheriffs Office.
I. Where feasible, improve energy efficiency throughout physical plant.
To Families, Friends, and Community Partners:
No one knows our residents better than you. Supporting mental health is a shared responsibility, and your insight is invaluable.
If you notice changes in personality, mood, or behavior, including an increase or sudden decrease in phone calls, withdrawal from communication, expressions of hopelessness, or anything else that feels concerning, please contact us as soon as possible (call 413-443-7220 ext. 1175 and ask for the Shift Commander).
If you need to share news that may be upsetting or difficult for your loved one, we also encourage you to notify us before or immediately after doing so. We are not always aware of external events or stressors, and this information helps us provide timely support.
Your call could make a critical difference in ensuring your loved one receives the care, monitoring, and mental health support they need. With you keeping us informed of important developments as they pertain to our residents, we can help promote safety, stability, and positive mental health outcomes.
Thank you for partnering with us in this important effort.