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DOC Testimonies

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2024

CONTACT: Press Office

NYC Department of Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie Heralded 2024 as a “Let’s Do This” Year Which Saw a Reduction in Violence and Improvements in Safety and Programming

EAST ELMHURST, NY -- Under the leadership of Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, the Department has made marked improvement in the safety, security and programmatic support that is available to agency staff and the people in DOC care, even as the population increased.

“From day one, our administration has focused on creating a safer, more affordable New York City. In 2024, we continued to deliver on that vision and ‘Get Stuff Done’ for working-class New Yorkers,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Thanks to our extraordinary public servants, America’s safest big city got even safer this year, with overall crime down and thousands of illegal guns, mopeds, and ghost cars taken off city streets. We passed historic legislation to turn New York into a ‘City of Yes,’ shattered affordable housing records once again, and put billions of dollars back into New Yorkers’ pockets. We broke records for the most jobs and small businesses in city history and moved millions of trash bags off our sidewalks and into containers. But we know that there is even more we can do to continue to uplift working-class families. As we look to the future, our administration remains committed to keeping New Yorkers safe and making our city more affordable for the millions of New Yorkers who call our city home.”

“Every pillar of our work is reinforced by the dedicated staff who show up for New Yorkers in big and small ways,” said NYC Department of Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie. “Over the past 12 months we have worked to provide staff with the support they need to be successful and to expand transformational programming and services to people in our care. The impact that our agency has on our city, and on individual’s lives, make our city safer.”

Reductions in key violence indicators:

Slashings and Stabbings have declined by 23% YTD with 281 in 2024, compared to 363 in 2023.

Assaults on Staff have declined by 23% YTD with 1,048 in 2024, compared to 1,349 in 2023.

Still fires decreased by 45% with 306 in 2024, compared to 525 in 2023.

Additionally, the proportion of individuals presented to a scheduled in-person court appearance continues to improve. In 2024, it was 98.3 percent compared to 94.2 percent in 2023.

Targeted Programming:
The Division of Programs and Community Partnerships delivered a range of programming and services over the course of the year. New initiatives that were launched or expanded, include:

CMOM Hubs:

Through a partnership with the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM), in May and June of 2024, the Department opened the first visit hubs at the Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC) and the George R. Vierno Center (GRVC). These visit hubs were created to provide interactive play stations, mirroring exhibits found at the museum, in each family visit space on Rikers Island. These exhibits promote playful interaction and bonding between parents and children.

Civic Engagement:

In 2024, we organized 16 voter registration drives and supported individuals with voter registration and absentee ballot requests. The effort helped a record 1,350 individuals submit applications to register to vote. In partnership with the Campaign Finance Board, the Department also developed a curriculum to promote civic engagement.

Recruitment:

The Department launched a new recruitment campaign and is on pace to swear in three new classes of recruits in 2024.

Health:

The DOC launched a first-of-its-kind plant-based culinary training series to provide healthier meal options, reduce citywide carbon emissions, and create workforce training opportunities. Created in partnership across multiple agencies and the nonprofit partner Hot Bread Kitchen, the initiative is delivering culinary training for 120 chefs at Rikers Island and two ACS-run youth detention centers to better incorporate whole foods, plant-based proteins, and healthful meal options.

During this same period, the population in custody increased more than eight percent.

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The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment while providing individuals in our care with a path to successfully re-enter their communities.