General Laws of Massachusetts - Chapter 126 Jails, Houses of Correction and Reformation,
and County Industrial Farms - Section 23 Delivery of prisoners to sheriff’s successor

Section 23. Upon the expiration of the term of office of a sheriff, or upon his resignation or removal, he shall deliver to his successor all the prisoners in his custody, but he shall retain the keeping of the jails and houses of correction and of the prisoners therein under his care until his successor has qualified.