Sheriff Supports Expanding Juvenile Jurisdiction

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian reiterated his support Tuesday for proposed legislation expanding the jurisdiction of the juvenile system to include 17-year-olds.

The House of Representatives is expected to consider the legislation Wednesday.

“The statistics tell us the juvenile system is the most appropriate place to send 17-year-old offenders,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “This is where the expertise is to intervene with age-appropriate correctional, substance abuse and educational services, reducing the chance these teens will re-offend.”

Massachusetts is currently one of just 11 states in which 17-year-olds accused of crimes are automatically tried and sentenced as adults, according to Citizens for Juvenile Justice. Last year, Connecticut joined the growing number of states allowing at least some 17-year-olds to be placed into the juvenile system.

Sheriff Koutoujian, who recently testified before two legislative panels in support of the proposal, praised House leaders for moving swiftly to get the legislation to the floor.

“This is commonsense legislation with bipartisan support,” said Koutoujian. “I am hopeful it will garner the necessary votes in both the House and Senate for passage.”

Submitted by the Office of Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian