It’s been a while since Carmen Massimiano Jr. ’66 sat in one of Professor William Farrell’s sociology classes. Nearly 40 years, in fact. He returned last semester to speak on criminal law and social policy in his former professor’s American Society class. Later that afternoon, he gave a public lecture on the same subject, sponsored by Pi Gamma Mu, the campus chapter of the international social sciences honor society.

Massimiano has been the sheriff of Berkshire County, Mass., since 1978. He spoke to the Saint Anselm community, mostly sociology and criminal justice majors, about the changes he has seen. At the time he took office, shootings and drug problems were rare, the prison was small, and the courts were open parttime. As the prison population has risen, he has instituted many community education and treatment programs, including a residential substance abuse treatment program.

In addition to a B.A. in sociology, Massimiano holds an M.S. in criminal justice administration from American International College. He and his wife, Linda, live in Pittsfield.