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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2021
CONTACT: pressoffice@doc.nyc.gov
@CorrectionNYC NYC DOC TV

Leader with More Than 30 Years Experience

Appointed Chief of Department at DOC

Former Chief of Security Kenneth Stukes becomes the highest-ranking officer at DOC .

East Elmhurst, NY – On July 9, 2021 Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi promoted Kenneth Stukes to the position of Chief of Department. With this promotion, Stukes becomes the highest-ranking uniformed officer at the New York City Department of Correction (DOC).

Stukes joined the Department as a correction officer in 1987 when he was first assigned to the George Motchan Detention Center (GMDC). In 1999, he was promoted to captain and was first assigned to North Infirmary Command (NIC) and later to the Otis Bantum Correctional Center/CPSU Unit (OBCC), where he received numerous awards and unit citations. In 2007, he was promoted to the rank of assistant deputy warden and assigned to the George R. Vierno Center (GRVC).

In 2012, Chief Stukes became deputy warden and was assigned to GRVC, the Eric M. Taylor Center (EMTC) , and OBCC. In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of deputy warden in command of the Mental Health Center and was promoted to the rank of warden in 2014 and assigned to OBCC.

Chief Stukes was promoted to assistant chief of security in October 2015 and named assistant chief, Division III in February 2016. He served as bureau chief of security before being appointed Acting Chief of Department in July 2021.

“Kenneth Stukes has served New Yorkers at the Department of Correction for more than three decades, and he has the experience and vision needed to make our jails safer and fairer,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “He’s the perfect choice to lead this department forward, and I look forward to working with him to improve the system.”

“Chief Stukes is a dedicated public servant who has used every day of his 30-year career to make DOC facilities safer,” said DOC Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi. “As Chief of Department, Chief Stukes will continue to lead this agency with compassion, fairness, and most of all integrity. I am thankful to have his partnership as we work to make city jails safer and more humane spaces.”

“I am honored by this promotion,” said Chief Stukes. “I know that this will be challenging, but I am eager to play a role in making historic changes at DOC. I want to thank Commissioner Schiraldi for his trust and belief in me. I want to thank my colleagues and all staff who have supported and encouraged me throughout the years.”

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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. The Department provides for the care and custody of people ordered held by the courts and awaiting trial or who are convicted and sentenced to one year or less of jail time. DOC manages 8 facilities housing people in custody,7 of which are located on Rikers Island. The Department also operates two hospital wards (Bellevue and Elmhurst hospitals) and court facilities in each borough.