Essex County Sheriff Lauds Low Recidivism, Inmate Cost Cited In New Report

MIDDLETON, MA — Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger is lauding a sheriff's department annual report finding what he said reflects the department's productive approach to rehabilitation, re-entry and fiscal management.

The report says Essex County recorded a 13.5 percent one-year recidivism rate, which it describes as the lowest in Massachusetts.

It also says the department has had the lowest cost per inmate among all 14 counties for the last five years and has continued to operate with one of the most efficient budgets in the Commonwealth.

"As one of the largest Sheriff's Departments in Massachusetts, we are proud to deliver strong public safety outcomes while operating with one of the smallest budgets for a department our size in the state," Coppinger said in releasing the report on Thursday. "This report reflects our commitment to transparency and demonstrates that our focused approach on rehabilitation and re-entry is working.

Coppinger said those results stem from targeted programming.

"These results are not by chance," Coppinger said. "They are the product of strategic investments in evidence-based programs that reduce crime, lower incarceration rates, and improve the quality of life in our communities."

Among the initiatives highlighted in the report is the department's Medication Assisted Treatment Program, which the department says was one of the first of its kind in the nation. The program serves more than 200 individuals daily.

The report said collaborations with institutions such as Northern Essex Community College are also intended to expand workforce development opportunities for people preparing for release.

Coppinger said the department's model centers on rehabilitation, accountability and innovation.

"By focusing on rehabilitation, accountability, and innovation, we are not only reducing recidivism — we are ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently to deliver real results," Coppinger said.

The full 2025 Annual Report is available to the public on the Essex County Sheriff's Department website here.