Biography
As a prosecutor, legislator, professor, and law enforcement leader, Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian has worked on the leading issues in public safety and public health throughout his career.
His work has earned him local and national recognition, including being named the national Sheriff of the Year for 2023 by the Major County Sheriffs of America.
Sheriff Koutoujian holds a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, a law degree from the New England School of Law, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Bridgewater State University. He maintains his academic involvement by continuing to teach criminal justice and leadership courses at several New England area institutions.
As sheriff, his use of specialty units has reimagined the correctional landscape. By targeting treatment towards unique populations such as young adults and military veterans, these programs have directly and substantially reduced recidivism in their participants. These results have been published in academic journals, featured by national news outlets, and labeled as best practices by multiple presidential administrations.
More importantly, Sheriff Koutoujian's commitment to data-driven research has made these programs and their results replicable across the country. In light of his commitment to the profession, Sheriff Koutoujian was elected by his statewide and national peers to serve as both the President of Major County Sheriffs of America and the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association.
Sheriff Koutoujian proudly works with several national organizations on issues essential to public health and safety. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), the Board of Trustees at his alma mater Bridgewater State University, the Executive Committee for the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, and the Advisory Board for the States United Democracy Center.
He is also an active member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) National Association of Women in Law Enforcement (NAWLE) and serves on the Executive Board of Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration.
Sheriff Koutoujian has also earned honors as one of the nation's most prominent Armenian-American officials, including the U.S. Ellis Island Medal of Honor as well as the Mkhitar Gosh Medal and Medal of Gratitude from the Armenian government.
While the Sheriff still lives in his hometown of Waltham, he enjoys traveling to his wife Elizabeth's hometown in Madrid, Spain with their three children: Peter, Cristian, and Isabel.
