Local Police Use Web-Based Tool to Share Info

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced a new tool for law enforcement entities throughout Middlesex County designed to enhance information sharing with police departments in an effort to increase public safety.

The Massachusetts Inmate Data Network (MIDNet) is a web-based program that allows local police departments to access valuable information regarding incarcerated individuals including an inmate’s status, charges, identifying marks and aliases from Sheriffs’ offices from across the state as well as the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC). Access to the system is secure and password protected.

“This is another way to work together cooperatively with local law enforcement agencies to better protect the citizens of Middlesex County,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “This resource will provide information sharing technology to assist police departments in keeping residents safe.”

As of December 19, 2012, police departments from 39 of the county’s 54 communities had entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office to participate in MIDNet and 20 of those are operational to date.

“We, as police officers, have known for years that there is a wealth of information contained in the various Sheriffs’ offices and the Department of Correction related to their inmate populations,” said Medford Police Chief Leo Sacco, Jr. “This is information that is vital to law enforcement. Until MIDNet this information was not easily accessible. MIDNet now puts this valuable info at our fingertips in minutes, if not seconds. In this period of budget and staffing shortages, MIDNet is an incredible public safety tool that allows us to work smarter and not harder.”

MIDNet is a collaboration of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office. It provides local law enforcement direct access to information it previously had to request from the DOC or individual Sheriffs offices.

– Submitted by Middlesex Sheriff’s office