DASHBOARD UPDATE: NYC Comptroller Releases New Monthly Data on Department of Correction Operations

 

The New York City Comptroller’s Office released its monthly update to the Department of Correction (DOC) Dashboard, available here. This month’s dashboard data highlights the persistent issues surrounding DOC operations from rising jail population to an increase in detained individuals with serious mental illness.

Key monthly DOC metrics show:

• As of July 1, DOC jails held 6,081 people, 77 more people than June 1.
  • DOC admitted 2,006 people to the jail in June, 73 more than in May.
  • 1,935 people were discharged in June, 21 fewer than in May.
• In June, the average length of incarceration decreased to 90 days – a 14-day reduction from May.
• 1,207 people with serious mental illness were detained on Rikers in May, up from 1,186 people in April. Individuals with serious mental illness make up 20% of the total detained population on Rikers.
• Individuals in DOC facilities missed medical appointments 11,691 times in May, which is 1,510 more appointments missed than in April, 2023. The last time the number of missed medical appointments reached this peak was in April, 2022.
• Judges assigned cash bail to 1,227 individuals in May for the thirteenth consecutive month,
• DOC uniformed staff had 67 fewer officers between May and June; an average monthly headcount of 6,449.
• Uniformed staff out sick continues to trend downward to 466 uniformed officers on leave in June.
• Fewer incidents of violence occurred in June:
  • The number of assaults decreased to 47, down 7 from May.
  • 67 fewer fights happened in June (412 fights)
  • There were 18 fewer slashings and stabbings.
  • This is a reverse from last month where violent incidents rose.

In May 2023, the DOC ceased publicly disclosing information about deaths that occurred in their custody. The dashboard reflects the current number of known deaths in DOC custody as reported by the media.

“Every life lost because of the conditions on Rikers demonstrates a total disregard to care for the people in custody . The lack of transparency and improvement in City jails proves that DOC cannot continue safe and secure operation of these facilities. The DOC owes the deceased, their families, and New Yorkers a full picture of what happens under their watch,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

Comptroller Lander is among a coalition of officials and criminal justice advocates who support a federal receiver to supervise the City’s jail system. Chief District Judge Laura Swain will preside over a hearing in early August to consider federal receivership.

The Comptroller’s dashboard, first published in August, 2022, monitors pervasive issues in the City’s jails, including staff absenteeism, missed medical appointments, and incidents of violence among detained people and staff. It also tracks the jail population every month and length of stay. The Comptroller’s office publishes data to this dashboard monthly to provide increased transparency and accountability over the City’s jail system.

View the DOC Dashboard here.