Daniel Hunt — Introduced himself as the House chair of the special commission and opened the hearing.
William Brownsberger — Identified as the co-chair joining the chair for the hearing.
Peter Vega — Named as one of the upcoming speakers, though the speaker appears uncertain about the name.
Officer Matthew Tidman — Cited as having been brutally beaten in 2022 and nearly losing his life.
correction officer — An unnamed correction officer is credited with saving an inmate's life by applying direct pressure to the carotid artery.
Robert Gittins — Robert Gittins introduces himself as a recently completed special member of the Parole Board and, drawing on his regular presence in institutions, says the concerns raised about K2 are accurate. He notes that both inmates and staff have described its impact, reinforcing that the problem is real in institutions.
Kevin — Kevin is addressed in a brief exchange about staffing, where the speaker agrees that he has made a strong point and responds to his staffing-related comment.
Colleen Garry — A speaker says Representative Gary has been a strong champion for OnSide Academy and that the issue was prioritized in the budget.
Estela Reyes — The speaker recognizes the host vice chair on the committee.
David DeCoste — The speaker says David Meridian was recognized earlier and then left and returned; likely a transcription error for David DeCoste or another member, but the exact identity is uncertain.
Jeremy Carlton — Introduces himself as local 106 president at Franklin County and national treasurer for NCU, and begins testimony on behalf of the union.
Michael — Thanked for testimony and praised for a strong presentation.
Michael O'Donnell — Michael O'Donnell was introduced as the next witness participating online, and then testified about how correctional officers feel heard, how their duties and training have evolved positively, and how their work contributes to reentry and safer conditions.
Jonathan Corey — Jonathan Corey is introduced as the next virtual witness to testify.
Jonathan Corey — Jonathan Corey returns to the hearing after technical difficulties and identifies himself as the president of AFSCME Local 419 and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 91, and as a sergeant at the Suffolk County House of Correction.
Jim Durkin — Jim Durkin is listed as the next witness to testify.
Patrick Moore — Named as someone the committee will come back to.
Michael Curtis — Michael Curtis is introduced and identified as a representative associated with a counterpart or fellow county, and the discussion continues in the same context as part of testimony supporting local facilities and rehabilitation services.
Pat Moore — Pat Moore, speaking with Michael Curtis, introduced themselves as representing a county-related perspective and then argued that local facilities should remain open, emphasizing the importance of community-based help and secure treatment settings.
Megan — Megan asks a question and thanks the officers, identifying herself as a mental health counselor and former Department of Corrections clinician and health services administrator. The response acknowledges and thanks Megan for her comment on officer wellness and support.
Liz Miranda — Corey says Senator Miranda met with correctional leadership in 2020 to discuss reforms.
Jacob Oliveira — Thanked by name in the scheduling discussion; likely Senator Jacob Oliveira or another Jonathan reference, but the ID cannot be confirmed from the transcript alone.
Jason Bonfis — Introduces himself as vice president of the county sheriff's office union and begins testimony about budget impacts.
David Scarbeck — A Brown University faculty member is cited as an author on prison order and the Norwegian system; a chapter from his book will be shared.
William Brownsberger — The witness thanks Co-Chair Brownsberger for holding the hearing.
William Brownsberger — William Brownsberger is referenced as the chair in a brief procedural exchange about moving forward after hearing from the unions, followed by Corey thanking Chairperson Brownsberger for the opportunity to testify and noting that Senator Brownsberger, along with Senator Miranda, met with correctional leadership in 2020 to discuss reforms.
William Brownsberger — Senator Brownsberger is referenced as having led the effort to continue visiting additional facilities, and the speaker then expresses agreement with his comments, reinforcing support for his position.
Kevin Flanagan — Kevin Flanagan is introduced as the first witness and representative of correctional professionals in Massachusetts. He then identifies himself, explains that he represents about 3,000 correctional professionals, and notes his 27 years of experience in corrections. He frames his testimony from the perspective of a correction officer and emphasizes that correction officers on the front lines must be included in reform and collaboration discussions because they are essential to the operation of correctional facilities.
Kevin Flanagan — Kevin Flanagan explains that paper is being used as a vehicle for contraband in prisons: legal or attorney mail can be unknowingly brought in, the paper is soaked with synthetic cannabinoids and sometimes mixed with cleaning chemicals, and then smoked or sold inside the facility. He says the treated paper is extremely difficult to detect visually or by canine units, notes that the chemicals involved are carcinogenic, and warns that officers are being exposed to the smoke and suffering headaches, migraines, and even fainting. He adds that detection technology exists but is expensive, references reported suicides, and says that reducing or eliminating paper use would help combat the problem.
Ronald Mariano — Referenced as the president who recognized the work of correctional officers in 1987.