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.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 126, § 23
Delivery of prisoners to sheriff's successor
Official source: Massachusetts Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Massachusetts statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.