The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) has appointed five new Assistant Commissioners of Operations in the wake of a new report from an independent monitor, amNewYork Metro has exclusively learned.
City jails are looking to catapult themselves into the future by bringing in new individuals to oversee day-to-day operations. With that in mind, the Nunez monitorship is urging DOC to bring non-uniform personnel to oversee city jails following several years of deaths of incarcerated individuals.
According to the department, these new hires will replace wardens and are expected to oversee the day-to-day facility operations, ensuring they are managed in accordance with DOC policy and practices. These duties will include direct and indirect supervision of all employees, evaluating all security measures, developing procedures to enhance facility security, and more.
“Under this administration this agency has been on the precipice of great change, and we are committed to bringing on accomplished correctional leaders to support our efforts,” said DOC Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “I am happy that we have chosen three professionals from other jurisdictions, as well as two phenomenal leaders who have both worked in our jails for more than 20 years. I know that their impressive credentials, their professionalism, and expertise will help us to continue to move this agency forward.”
The new appointees are Antoinette Cort, Danielle Davis, Sonya Harvey, Ned McCormick, and Charles Williams. According to DOC, these five Assistant Commissioners of Operations boast over 20 years of experience working in multiple facilities under various capacities and have numerous accolades under their belts.
Out of the five new officials, Harvey and Williams have the longest-standing relationship in corrections, with more than three decades of experience each. Meanwhile, Cort, Davis, and McCormick each hold more than 20 years in corrections and public safety. All of the newly named Assistant Commissioners began their careers as correction officers across the United States and worked their way up to high-ranking officials, according to DOC.
Each of the Assistant Commissioners has expressed their sheer gratitude for the opportunity to facilitate change, manage initiatives for people in custody, revitalize the city’s jail system, and create an overall safer environment for all involved all in line with Commissioner Molina’s vision for a safer, humane, and professional working environment.
“It’s an honor that I will be able to work with Commissioner Molina to evoke change and make the facilities safer for staff and the individuals in our care. I look forward to playing a part in enhancing the Department and for ensuring that people in custody have the resources and support they need when they re-enter their communities,” Assistant Commissioner Cort said.
The DOC hopes that these hires will result in a better environment for both staff and those within their care.
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