The Middlesex County Sheriff's office receives a line-item budget from the Commonwealth, which can be changed at the Governor's discretion. And with the state government running a 2 billion dollar deficit, even these most important of funds risk being cut.

Sheriff James DiPaola explained the problem is largely a result of the unpredictable nature of the excise tax, and not wasteful spending.

"I've never overspent my budget," he said.

The Attorney General will probably be taking over the Sheriff's offices, which the Sheriff believes will ultimately be a good thing.

But the drastic drop in revenue due to the financial crisis has left law enforcement having to do more with less. Governor Patrick proposed an 8% cut in funding to the Sheriff's offices of the Commonwealth, and there have been rumors of a cut as much as 10%, a figure which Sheriff DiPaola has called "draconian."

In contrast to these numbers, the Department of Corrections has received about a 2% cut.

These cuts are especially hurtful because law enforcement budgets are personnel-driven. And, as the Sheriff points out, "it's especially tough on us because jails never close," DiPaola said.

Prison overcrowding has already been a problem throughout Massachusetts for years, even in times of prosperity. The Cambridge jail above the courthouse was designed in the 1970's for 160 spaces; it currently holds 440 prisoners. In a controversial decision, the Sheriff even had to close its chapel to make room for more cells.

The Billerica jail was built for 300, but may have to house as many as 1200 inmates. There are security concerns over adding 400 inmates to an older section of the jail built in 1929 that may be too old to be safe.

Sheriff DiPaola has already self-imposed cost-saving measures, including restricting take-home vehicles, cell-phone usage and limiting the use of the 4-1-1 phone number directory service.

But, unfortunately, DiPaola also has had to hold back on hiring forty new officers. He is currently lobbying the legislature to reduce the spending cuts.

But until any legislative changes are made, the Sheriff has to get creative to find ways to save money. Energy costs have been one of the biggest drains on the budget; the Sheriff is now considering installing solar panels on the prison roofs. Transportation is also expensive; the Sheriff's Department vans transfer over 35,000 people a year, driving more than 1 million miles. DiPaola is trying to come up with ways of lowering these numbers.

As with any financial crisis, there are worries that good, successful programs will be cut. Among DiPaola's many concerns is the survival of the Youth Public Safety Academy, a program for children between 10 and 12 to meet policemen, firemen, and EMS workers in a positive environment and get to know what they do for the community. DiPaola says it is a great way of giving kids good role models and building characters.

But only time will tell if it will survive.

DiPaola hopes that the recent decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana will free up law enforcement time, effort and money, in order to focus on more important matters.

But during this difficult time, DiPaola will be meeting with the Governor and other political leaders to discuss short and long term plans for the Cambridge jail and other financial matters.

It is clear that these meetings are deeply important for all of Middlesex County, and we will have to live with their results. Either way, we will pay a heavy cost, financial or otherwise.