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| Closing of detox center prompts concern |
| By southcoasttoday.com |
| Published: 09/24/2009 |
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Law enforcement officials are wary of how the planned closing of a Bridgewater detox facility will affect criminal defendants who are committed for substance abuse treatment and evaluation while their cases are pending in court. "There is some concern from our office that some cases might get slowed down," said Gregg Miliote, spokesman for the Bristol County District Attorney's Office. "Will this affect how quickly a case can be brought to disposition? Maybe." The Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center — located on the grounds of the state Department of Corrections in Bridgewater — is scheduled to close Nov. 6. The 100-bed facility was slated to be shut down by Oct. 2, but state officials delayed the closing to figure out how to accommodate the individuals who are civilly committed there by the courts. Diane Wiffin, spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections, said her agency is working with the state Department of Public Health and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to formulate a plan. The Department of Corrections moved to close the Bridgewater facility because of severe budget cuts. Closing it will save approximately $500,000 a month, officials said. "Closing this facility will enable the Department of Corrections to focus on its core mission of care and custody of state-sentenced offenders," Wiffin said. The 95 DOC staffers at the Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center will be assigned to vacant positions to reduce overtime costs, she said. Read More. |
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