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.

Key monthly DOC metrics show:

• As of June 1, 2023, the number of people in DOC jails was 6,004, a decrease of 20 people from May 1.

• 1,933 people entered DOC jails in May, compared to 1,860 people in April.

• DOC released 225 more people (1,956 total) in May than in April.

• In May, the average time spent in custody increased to 104 days – a six-day increase from April.
• In April, Rikers held 1,186 people with a serious mental illness, a slight increase  from 1,158 people in March.
• Incarcerated individuals missed their medical appointments 10,181 times in April, 98 fewer missed appointments than in February.

• DOC had 75 fewer uniformed officers between April and May, with uniformed staff totaling at 6,516.
• Violence incidents all increased from April to May: 40 more fights, 25 more slashings and stabbings, and one more assault.
• Although the number of use of force incidents against incarcerated individuals decreased in May, the rate of incidents per capita is higher due to a decline in the number of uniformed officers and incarcerated individuals.

• Judges assigned cash bail to 1,216 people in April (the latest data available). More than 1,000 people were assigned cash bail every month for the last 11 months.

Key data points from this month’s dashboard highlight pressing issues within the City’s jail system, including a rise in detained individuals with serious mental illness and more violent incidents. The DOC’s recent decision to discontinue disclosing deaths in custody sparked widespread concerns about transparency and accountability within the jail system. Comptroller Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams conducted an oversight visit to Rikers after the Federal Monitor’s latest alarming reports in early June. Chief District Judge Laura Swain is now considering the appointment of a federal receiver to address the system’s challenges.

“The rollback of transparency coupled with the ever-growing number of detained people on Rikers amplifies the urgent need for management change. Judge Swain’s consideration of a federal receiver represents a significant signal toward the need for new management of City jails,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

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.

Governor Hochul Welcomes DEC Forest Ranger Crew Returning From Fighting Wildfires in Canada

 

Forest Ranger ‘Crew Boss’ Returns from Nova Scotia

  Governor Kathy Hochul today welcomed home New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers who spent two weeks battling wildfires in Canada. The first Forest Ranger returned last week after 14 days in Nova Scotia, where he served as Crew Boss to a wildland firefighting team assigned to the Barrington Fire Complex, which burned approximately 58,100 acres. Seven Forest Rangers returned on Sunday, June 25, after spending 14 days in Quebec working on multiple fires.

"We are all too familiar with the wildfires in Canada this month, but we’re fortunate to have brave men and women ready to mobilize to where help is needed the most,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s Forest Rangers spent two weeks in harm’s way separated from friends and family to help protect our neighbors in the north, and I thank them for their service.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "New York’s wildland firefighters have been supporting efforts to fight wildland fires across the country and beyond for more than 40 years. When there is a crisis, DEC Forest Rangers answer the call. Oftentimes, it’s out west, but in this case, it was for our neighbors to the north. As experts in incident command, DEC Forest Rangers often lead dozens of firefighters in the daunting task of containing a wildfire. I thank them for their dedication and sacrifice always."

Returning home are:

June 18 from Nova Scotia

Arthur Perryman II – Warren County

June 25 from Quebec

Matthew Adams – Essex and Franklin Counties

Anastasia Allwine – Greene County

Chester Lunt – Cayuga, Cortland, and Onondaga Counties

Christopher Pelrah – Herkimer and Oneida Counties

Robert Praczkajlo – Essex and Franklin Counties

William Roberts – Chemung, Schuyler, and Seneca Counties

Howard Thomes – Jefferson and Lewis Counties

Throughout Canada, more than 2,600 fires have burned an estimated 13 million acres. The first wildfire in Nova Scotia this year started in April. Since then, 212 wildfires have burned more than 62,272 acres. On June 8, Governor Hochul announced that a team of seven DEC Forest Rangers was deploying to assist with efforts to help contain the wildfires in Quebec. At the same time, New York State was under an Air Quality Health Advisory due to the smoke from those wildfires that traveled across state borders.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, such as ozone or smoke-induced fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to exceed a federal Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. The latest AQI Forecast can be viewed here.

These two missions are the first time New York State Forest Rangers have been deployed to Canada since wildfires in Quebec in 2005. In 1979, New York sent its first firefighting crew to assist western states with large wildfires. On average, one or two crews are sent as needed to assist with wildfires nearly every year. In addition to helping contain wildfires and minimize damage, these crews gain valuable experience that can be utilized fighting wildfires and managing all-risk incidents in New York.

Personnel and travel expenses for the New York crews are either paid directly by the U.S. Forest Service or reimbursed to New York State based on a mutual aid agreement between states and federal land agencies.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress - Together we shocked the entire political establishment

 

Five years ago today, Alexandria shocked the world by winning her primary election against a 20-year incumbent who outspent her 10-1. Everybody counted our movement out, saying that we could never beat the establishment.

Photo by José A. Alvarado Jr.

Alexandria launched her campaign for Congress in 2017 and won the primary election on June 26, 2018. She won by building a grassroots movement, meeting people where they were, and doing the hard work of canvassing and knocking on every door she could — Alexandria knocked on doors and wore down her shoes until rainwater came through.

Today, we are still proving the naysayers wrong.

We have built a strong multi-generational, multi-ethnic coalition fighting for livable wages, universal health care, and a green future, and accomplished more together than anyone ever expected.

Your support has allowed us to build a different kind of campaign. A campaign that truly centers community organizing and building relationships year-round — not just before elections. Alexandria still doesn’t curry favor with billionaires or host fancy cocktail party fundraisers. This is still a people-powered operation that relies on thousands of small contributions.

→ On the fifth anniversary of AOC’s primary win, will you donate $3 right now to help Alexandria continue to fight for a brighter future for all?

Thank you for being a part of this movement. Together we will continue to fight for racial, social, economic, and environmental justice.

Pa’lante,

Team AOC

Permits Filed For 21 East 204th Street In Jerome Park, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 21 East 204th Street in Jerome Park, The Bronx. Located between Grand Concourse and Villa Avenue, the lot is near the Bedford Park Boulevard subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Selvie Domi of 21 East 204th Associates LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 60-foot-tall development will yield 5,718 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 13 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 439 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, penthouse, and a 25-foot-long rear yard.

Anthony Cucich Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed back in 2016 for the three-story building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW YORK CITY’S DNA TESTING LAB ACHIEVES 30-DAY TURNAROUND TIME FOR TESTING GUN CRIME EVIDENCE

Less Than One Year After Announcement of Nation’s First DNA Gun Crimes Unit, OCME Fulfills Promise of Unprecedented 30-Day Turnaround Time

 

NYC Now Home to Fastest Big City Lab for Testing and Analysis of Evidence in Gun Crimes in Nation

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham today announced that, less than one year after the formation of the nation’s first-ever DNA Gun Crimes Unit at a public DNA laboratory, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has achieved a 30-day or less turnaround time for testing and analysis of evidence from gun crimes. This unprecedented achievement not only delivers on a promise by Mayor Adams and Dr. Graham, but also secures New York City’s position as home to the fastest big city lab for the testing and analysis of evidence in gun crimes in the nation — strengthening public safety and the city’s criminal justice system.

 

“Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity, and reducing gun violence is central to that mission. Last year, when we announced the DNA Gun Crimes Unit’s creation, we promised that this would be the fastest lab to analyze and test evidence from gun crimes. Today, we are proud to announce that the testing lab has achieved a 30-day or less turnaround time for testing and analysis of evidence from gun crimes,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City is now home to the fastest big city lab for testing and analyzing evidence. This means those involved in gun crime cases are being brought to justice faster, and we are getting more guns off the street. This is the real CSI: New York, where we are helping the criminal justice system to convict the guilty, exonerate the innocent, and keep our communities safe. And to those who commit crimes with a gun: The evidence doesn’t lie. Science is coming for you fast.”

 

“Justice delayed is justice denied, so the timely and accurate resolution of cases is critical to public safety,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “New York City is once again setting the gold standard for innovation and progress in the fight against gun violence.”

 

“OCME is at the forefront of the city’s person-centric approach to serving each person with care, compassion, and fairness,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “The dedicated DNA Gun Crimes Unit is staffed by thoughtful scientists who actualize OCME’s mission of science serving justice. The agency has achieved a nation-leading turnaround time with gun crime cases that helps law enforcement and families striving for justice and helps keep New Yorkers safe.”

 

“Gun violence poses an urgent threat to public safety and exacts a profound toll on the health of our communities that reverberates across generations, which is why the Office of Chief Medical Examiner dedicates our scientific expertise to this important public health issue,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Graham. “When we launched the DNA Gun Crimes Unit last year, our testing turnaround times already stood among the best in the nation, and now, we are proud to have reached the next level in quality and timely service to New Yorkers.”

 

“The city’s scientific advances in testing and analyzing evidence from gun crimes underscores the NYPD’s tireless work to eradicate gun violence and ensure public safety for all New Yorkers,” said New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “The ongoing successes now being achieved, in rapidly developing crucial evidence in criminal cases, reflects our seamless communications and coordination with all our government partners. It is built upon the NYPD’s fundamental tenets of timely, intelligence-driven policing for the 21^st century.”

 

Funded by an investment of $2.5 million, OCME has hired and trained 24 new forensic scientists to ensure a fully staffed DNA Gun Crimes Unit dedicated solely to the testing and analysis of evidence from gun crimes throughout the five boroughs. Funding also supported upgrades in laboratory management software, the purchase of new equipment, and supplies that helped achieve these historic results.

 

During the month of May 2023, OCME achieved a 28-day turnaround time for the DNA testing of gun crime evidence, surpassing the initial 30-day goal for the first time. The 30-day turnaround time is measured from when testing is requested by a district attorney to the distribution of the case report to the district attorney and the NYPD.

 

Faster processing of DNA gun crime evidence helps move cases through the criminal justice system to keep communities safer. Recent cases handled by the OCME laboratory included the shooting of a New York City police officer in Jamaica, Queens, in April 2023, as well as the fatal shooting of a deli worker on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in March 2023, where swift analysis of DNA evidence contributed to prompt indictments of suspects in both cases.

 

While the 28-day turnaround time for testing gun crime evidence is unprecedented, the OCME DNA laboratory continues to perform at high levels across the board. The turnaround time for all violent crimes, including homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, and assaults, stood at 33 days for the month ending May 2023 — a benchmark achieved by no other big city forensic laboratory.

 

OCME operates the largest public DNA crime laboratory in North America, responsible for testing physical evidence from criminal cases within New York City. The lab tests approximately 50,000 items of evidence each year across all categories of crime.

 

Managed and staffed by scientists in OCME’s Department of Forensic Biology, the city’s DNA laboratory serves the criminal justice system as an independent resource, with testing results used to convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent. The lab is accredited by the American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board and the New York State Forensic Laboratory Accreditation program.

Dismal Early Voting Numbers

 

The total number of early voters compiled by the New York City Board of Elections through the nine days of Early Voting.

June 25, 2023 - Day 9

 

• Manhattan - 10,648
• Bronx - 7,378
• Brooklyn - 12,230
• Queens - 14,355

 

Total Number of Early Voting Check-Ins 44,611

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative

Wave Hill Weekly Events July 14–July 20: Scented Plants Sunday & Sunset Wednesday

 

In the city, the sweet smell of summer is not a phrase you usually hear—except here at Wave Hill, and we have just the summer celebration to remind your nose, and your soul, of the beauty of summer. Scented Plants Sunday is a full day of events that will rejuvenate all your senses, from guided garden walks and our scratch-and-sniff plant pavilion to herbal crafts and cooking demonstrations. Then, the soulful sounds of Latin Grammy winner Nella will light up the night this Sunset Wednesday. 

 Family Art Project: Exploring Herbal Arts 

Sat, July 15, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, July 16, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required. 

Using your sense of smell and touch, discover the world of herbal and botanical arts. Decorate your own perfume bottle and then create a scented blend using lavender and other plants inspired by Wave Hill’s Herb Garden. Scented Plants Day event. 

Public Gallery Tour  

Sat, July 15, 2023, 2–3PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration is not required. 

Exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationship between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are open, Gallery Greeters lead public gallery tours on Thursdays and Saturdays. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in a unique environment. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. 

Today’s tour features current exhibitions.  

Yoga in the Garden  

Sun, July 16, 2023, 10–11AM 

$25; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251

Root your feet in the grass and look out upon the vistas as you enjoy a gentle yoga class led by Susie Caramanica. All levels welcome. Rain cancels. Continues through July.

Scented Plants Sunday  

Sun, July 16, 2023 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Celebrate the scents of summer this weekend, when the air is perfumed with fragrant flowers and foliage. Explore the gardens with our experts, sample tasty recipes and take a bit of summer home with you in the form of an herbal craft. Activities for gardeners and budding herbalists of all ages.  

Scratch and Sniff Plant Pavilion 

Sun, July 16, 2023, 10AM-4PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Zoom-in on the scents of some familiar and unusual herbs at this drop-in station. Scratch and sniff plants that are suitable for petting, and check out the shapes, textures, colors and scents of their leaves and flowers. What’s your favorite? Ages five and older welcome with an adult.   

“Scentsational” Summer Plant Walk 

Sun, July 16, 2023, 11AM–NOON; 1–2PM  

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required. Space is limited. 

Experience first-hand how your olfactory senses can support mindfulness and engender a sense of place and well-being on this rejuvenating garden walk. Stroll through Wave Hill’s most extravagantly scented garden areas with John Beirne, Curatorial Director of Horticulture at Reeves Reed Arboretum, and discover the varied sensory attributes of herbs and other aromatic plants. Along the way, learn the names and general growing requirements of our favorite fragrant plants for further study or to help plan a sensory garden of your own. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult.  

Cooking Demo: Summery Herbal Beverages and Baked Goods   

Sun, July 16, 2023, 11AM–NOON 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required. 

Peppermint, basil, lemon verbena and more—many herbs taste as good as they smell! Enjoy a taste of summer with some delicious, sweet drinks and baked goods made with fragrant herbs harvested at their peak. Chef Nick Acosta of Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances demonstrates some favorite summer recipes while Wave Hill's Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer shares tips for selecting and growing the herbs featured in the recipes. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.  

Incense & Smudges Workshop  

Sun, July 16, 2023, 1–3PM 

$55, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251

Join Melissa Rivera of Holistic Energy Healing in a gentle circle-meditation, then learn the history and uses of incense and smudges. Work in groups to concoct your own natural incense cones and smudge bundles inspired by the delightful aromas of the Herb Garden. Go home with handmade products, recipes and resources, and a new wellness ritual to add to your routine. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult. Scented Plants Day event.  

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, July 16, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration is not required.

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels.  

Sunset Wednesdays: Nella 

Wed, July 19, 2023, 7–8PM 

$15/adults; $10/students/seniors; $6/children 6-18; FREE/members and children under 6 

Advance tickets encouraged, but not required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251

 

Winner of the 2019 Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist, Nella brings her powerhouse voice and undeniable presence to Wave Hill for a special concert in duet with guitar. Merging the folkloric roots of her native Venezuela with the sounds of her generation and influences from Spain’s Andalusia region, Nella carries her songs around like essential supplies in a backpack and sings them with her soul. 

Sunset Wednesdays take place on the Great Lawn. Visitors may bring folding chairs and blankets. Picnicking is permitted. The Café and Shop are open until 7PM.  

In the event of inclement weather, this event will move to Armor Hall, in Wave Hill House. Capacity there is limited and ticketed guests receive priority seating. Premium admission is in effect from 4PM to 8PM each Sunset Wednesday. Passes and discounts, including guest passes, Culture Pass, AHS, etc., will not be accepted starting at 4PM. Member-for-a-Day passes are accepted.  

Stories in the Garden   

Thu, July 20, 2023, 10:15–11AM; 11:15AM–NOON 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Drop-in with limited capacity, first come first serve. 

Join Wave Hill and Literacy Inc. educators for storytime in the garden! Stories will come to life through interactive book readings and related activities. For rain or other extreme weather, the program will meet in the Gund Theater in Wave Hill House. Ideal for children ages three to six with an adult.

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Thu, July 20, 2023, 12–12:PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration is not required. 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels.  

Public Gallery Tour  

Thu, July 20, 2023, 2–3PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration is not required. 

Exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationship between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are open, Gallery Greeters lead public gallery tours on Thursdays and Saturdays. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in a unique environment. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. 

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service runs Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.