My name is Sawyer, and I am a rising sophomore studying Computer Science (Course 6-3) at MIT. This summer, I was hosted by the Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS), working specifically with their Pretrial Services team. My primary project involved analyzing data for the MassHealth Initiative, a program that connects individuals in the justice system with free healthcare through MassHealth in order to help them meet some of the terms of their release and improve their ability to reintegrate successfully into their communities.
In this role, I focused on identifying inefficiencies in existing processes and examining disparities in access and outcomes based on demographic factors. For example, I tracked the Pretrial Services team’s insurance referral process over time and studied how engagement rates varied across racial and ethnic groups. This analysis was particularly valuable because it revealed areas where seemingly obvious explanations for disparities, such as language barriers, could be supported or challenged by data. Without seeing the data, it is easy to make assumptions, but the patterns often reveal more nuanced realities.
However, working with this data also made me aware of how misleading numbers can be when considered in isolation. Quantitative measures can create the illusion that problems are one-dimensional and solvable with a single intervention. In reality, the issues are far more complex, branching into multiple, interconnected causes. They are shaped by historical inequities, deeply embedded systemic barriers, and individual life circumstances. This complexity means that no single approach can address every aspect of a problem, and that some challenges, unfortunately, may never be fully resolved.
Initially, this realization felt discouraging. I wondered how meaningful change could be achieved when the roots of the problems were so extensive. Over the course of the summer, however, my perspective shifted. I began to understand that meaningful change often starts on the smallest scale, through personal interactions and targeted support. Even seemingly modest interventions can have a ripple effect, changing not only outcomes for individuals but also their trust in the systems around them. The Pretrial Services team embodies this approach through practical, empathetic initiatives that remove obstacles to complying with release conditions and help clients move forward with more stability and resources.
The obstacles that can prevent compliance are not always about unwillingness or defiance. If someone misses a court date, it may be because they could not afford transportation. If a person does not begin court-mandated treatment, they might lack health insurance. If a meeting with a probation officer is missed, it may be because the individual does not own a phone to arrange or confirm the appointment. These barriers are deeply connected to broader social and economic issues, including poverty, the long-term effects of redlining, a history of racial discrimination, inequitable access to education and healthcare, and substance use disorders. These conditions can also foster mistrust toward the court system, even toward Certified Application Counselors, who work outside of a judicial role to provide assistance. Misunderstandings in these contexts can reinforce existing disparities, making the root causes and their impacts even more entrenched.
MPS works to address these barriers directly. Through the MassHealth Initiative, clients are connected to healthcare coverage that can remove significant barriers to treatment. The SPEAC grant provides individuals with cell phones at no cost, ensuring they have the means to stay in touch with probation officers, service providers, and support networks. The team also arranges Uber rides to and from court, eliminating transportation challenges entirely. Each of these measures may appear small in isolation, but together they can change the trajectory of someone’s experience with the justice system. Just as importantly, they help rebuild trust through humanizing, respectful interactions. Something as simple as asking about someone’s day or making the act of asking for help feel normal can begin to shift perceptions and reduce feelings of alienation.
My work with MPS reinforced my belief that systemic reform is necessary, but it also underscored that change does not have to wait for sweeping policy shifts to begin. Addressing the day-to-day barriers faced by individuals, one person and one obstacle at a time, can be profoundly transformative. The Pretrial Services team’s commitment to empathy, creative problem-solving, and consistent follow-through has shown me how impactful such work can be, both for the individuals served and for the broader pursuit of justice.