Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins
Steven Tompkins was appointed to begin serving as the Suffolk County Sheriff on January 22, 2013 by Governor Deval Patrick, but he has been a member of the Sheriff’s Office since 2002. He has a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a master’s degree in Public Affairs. The Sheriff has many responsibilities like managing the House of Corrections and the Nashua Street Jail. Tompkins created “Common Ground Institute” in order to teach useful skills to inmates. This program gives those who have completed it an opportunity to rejoin the community by offering them a job even with their criminal history. It is a great example of rehabilitation and trying to prevent reentry into the criminal justice system. Tompkins is also focused on prevention, especially with the youth. He created the “Choice Program” to teach young students to make the right choices that will lead them to their success. He has worked hard to try to prevent involvement in the criminal justice system. Sheriff Tompkins is a great engaged community leader serving on boards of the community. He has done amazing work for the community, has shown great leadership, and is helping many in the criminal justice system.