Corrections Without Protections: The Increasing Dangers Facing New York’s Boldest Officers; IDC to Release Investigative Report on the Rise of Correctional Worker Assaults

Independent Democratic Conference Releases Investigative Report on the Rise of Correctional Worker Assaults

Albany, NY — Members of the Independent Democratic Conference stood with state and local correction officers and released a new report, Corrections Without Protections: The Increasing Dangers Facing New York’s Boldest Officers, on the rising number of assaults and contraband seizures in New York’s jails and prisons.

The report examined inmate assaults on officers between 2007 and 2016, and found that they had risen from a low of 524 in 2012 to a high of 896 in 2015.

“Correction officers in New York hold one of the hardest jobs imaginable. As indicated by the report we’re releasing today their jobs have only gotten more difficult. It is unacceptable to see this rise in assaults on those who are protecting us. We must ensure that dangerous drugs and other contraband are kept out of prisons so that correction officers can feel safe when they go to work every day,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“Correction officers are truly unsung heroes of our criminal justice system and go too often without recognition of the work they do as they are faced with new challenges that make their work environment extremely dangerous.  Additional protections proposed today will build on my legislation that requires new correction officers and staff who regularly work with inmates with mental health issues to receive at least 8 hours of mental health training related to treatment of inmates with mental disabilities.  Protecting corrections officers in the face of new, more dangerous challenges is a priority for all of us.,” said Senator David Carlucci.

“Many of our correction officers suffer from PTSD and other mental health issues after being assaulted on the job. It’s traumatic to be attacked at the workplace and we want to make sure that our officers are able to get the treatment they need through workers compensation which is why I’m introducing a bill to address this serious issue,” said Senator Marisol Alcantara.

Senator Alcantara’s legislation, S.5954 takes aim at the result of inmates intentionally throwing bodily fluids at correction officers, which may result in post-traumatic stress disorder. Her bill will allow officers facing impairment resulting from such an event be eligible for coverage in workers compensation claims.

“Correction officers do a tremendously difficult job and face increasing on-the-job danger everyday. Our facilities are understaffed, and flooded with contraband including K2 which can lead to dangerous behavior. We want to support our hardworking correction officers who put their lives on the line by passing legislation that enhances their safety and helps them receive mental health treatment if they need it,” said Senator David Valesky.

“Across New York correction officers walk the toughest beat in America. The shocking numbers in this report are likely not a surprise to any of them who face the threat of assault on a daily basis. The IDC will continue to work towards finding solutions that protect these hard working men and women,” said Senator Diane Savino.

“This ‘Corrections Without Protections’ report makes plain the troubling dangers correction officers confront on a daily basis. During Correctional Officers Week, we rededicate our collective efforts to standing with correction officers and NYSCOPBA to ensure safety in facilities, provide support, and Improve training. ‘New York's Boldest’ deserve safe workplaces alongside all New York workers,”  said Senator Jesse Hamilton.

“Correction officers perform a difficult and dangerous job day in and day out. Every day, the job gets tougher and tougher and officers’ safety is continually put at risk. As this report shows, that level of risk is only growing with the rise of contraband and assaults in the corrections system. Our state needs to take immediate action and protect our corrections officers by passing the legislation being put forward by the IDC in this report. I proudly stand behind this legislation and the resolution proclaiming this week as Correctional Officers Week,” said Senator Tony Avella.

In addition to assaults on staff, the report also found an increase in inmate on inmate assaults, peaking in 2016 at 1,134 assaults from a low of 603 in 2009. These assaults included fights between two inmates and large-scale assaults involving over 100 inmates.

During the same period in which assaults increased, an increase in contraband seized by correctional workers was also found. These seizures include a significant rise in the amount of the synthetic drug K2 found in prisons, which is believed to cause uncontrollable inmate behavior when used. The IDC report found that since 2012 K2 confiscations jumped from just three confiscations to 1,247 in 2015. Previous reports from Senator Klein and the IDC found that the products were easily available on the internet and in neighborhood stores.

Senator Klein urged the passage of his legislation to create a state analog act to criminalize substances that are substantially similar to illegal drugs to stem the tide of their entrance into the prison system.

The injuries received from such assaults often result in workers compensation claims that cost state millions of dollars. In its report, the IDC found that the increase in workers compensation claims coincided with the increase in assaults.

	2011-2012	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15	2015-16
Correction Officer	3167	3089	3487	3729	3931
Correction Sergeant	202	217	227	258	298
CO Spanish Language	n/a	13	16	21	50
Totals	3369	3319	3730	4008	4279

From a fiscal standpoint, the amount of workers compensation claims has increased from $16.6 million in 2011-2012 to $19.1 million in 2015-2016, with taxpayers footing the bill.

The release of the report coincided with the introduction of a resolution proclaiming May 7 – 13, 2017 Correctional Officers Week by Senator David Carlucci.

MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO AND MAYOR’S OFFICE OF MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF THE GRAMMY® AWARDS TO NEW YORK AFTER A 15-YEAR HIATUS

The 60th Anniversary of Music's Biggest Night® Will Take Place at Madison Square Garden on January 28th, 2018

New York City will reap an estimated $200 million in economic benefit as host city for the marquee awards show

  After 15 years, the GRAMMY^® Awards are at long last returning to New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Media & Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin announced today along with Recording Academy President Neil Portnow, MSG Chairman James Dolan, and CBS Chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves. The prestigious music awards show will celebrate its 60^th anniversary on January 28, 2018, and air on CBS.

“It is incredibly exciting that ‘Music’s Biggest Night’ will return to the world’s greatest city,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Playing host to the music industry’s marquee awards show is a unique creative, artistic and economic boon to the rich cultural fabric of our city. We welcome the GRAMMY^® Awards back to New York City with open arms and we look forward to continuing to partner with the music industry that supports access and empowerment in the arts.” 

“After a year of negotiations, it is extremely gratifying to announce that the Grammys are coming back to New York to celebrate their 60^th anniversary,” said NYC Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin. “The Grammys are not only ‘Music's Biggest Night,’ they generate an estimated $200 million boost to our City's economy. As the birthplace of salsa in East Harlem, hip hop in the Bronx and punk rock in the East Village, it's a fitting return to the City that gets the whole world dancing.”

  

The GRAMMY^® awards were last in New York in 2003. Since then the awards show has remained ensconced in the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Relocating the GRAMMY^® Awards to New York involved bridging a significant cost differential which the Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment achieved by facilitating contributions from host committee members, in-kind advertising, sponsors and cost savings from labor.

As the music capital of the world, New York City is a fitting choice to host the 60^th Anniversary of the GRAMMY awards.  It is the birthplace and incubator of so many of music’s most popular genres – from salsa music in East Harlem to disco in midtown, from punk rock in the East Village to hip hop in the Bronx.  The city continues to be at the forefront of music innovation with 72 digital music companies – more than San Francisco and Los Angeles combined.

It is an opportune time for the GRAMMY^® Awards to return to New York City. The Mayor’s Office of Media Entertainment recently released a first of its kind study demonstrating the music industry’s critical role in the New York City economy. The report, prepared by the Boston Consulting Group, found that the City’s $21 billion music economy is the most robust and diverse musical ecosystem in the world. The City’s top music venues sold 5.4 million tickets in 2015 – more than Los Angeles, Chicago, and Nashville combined. According to the study, music-related jobs and wages in New York City are growing at an annual rate of 4 and 7 percent – outpacing the City’s overall job growth.

As the home of the 2018 GRAMMY^® Awards, New York will be the host not just of the Grammy Awards itself but of a week’s worth of events leading up to the telecast.  This will include annual celebrations like the MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute and Clive Davis Pre-GRAMMY^® Gala as well as a series of music-related public events leading up to the awards.  Proceeds generated from these events will add to the $400 to $500 million in annual revenue spent by tourists on the City’s music-related events. To commemorate the Grammys 2018 return, the City together with the Recording Academy, commissioned “Welcome to New York City of Music,” a promotional video directed by Spike Lee which will also be released today.

The effort to secure the GRAMMY Awards was made possible through the support of a host committee chaired by Commissioner Julie Menin and co-chaired by Lynn McMahon, Managing Director of Media & Entertainment for North America for Accenture. That committee includes: Adidas, Rudin Management Company, Local One IATSE, the Partnership for New York City, Downtown Music Publishing/NY is Music, NYC & Co. and Town Residential.

The City also thanks the following additional entities and individuals who assisted in this effort: Jonathan Tisch, Citigroup, Glassnote Entertainment Group, New York City Football Club, Spotify, Blackstone Entertainment, Billboard Magazine and New York City Central Labor Council.

About the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment encompasses the key economic and creative sectors of film, TV, theater, music, advertising, publishing, digital content and real estate as it relates to these industries. In total, these sectors account for over 305,000 jobs, and an economic output of $104 billion. The office promotes New York City as a thriving center of creativity, issuing permits for productions filming on public property, and facilitating production throughout the five boroughs. It also oversees NYC Media, the largest municipal broadcasting entity in the country including five television stations and a radio station with a reach of 18 million households in a 50-mile radius.

Bronx Week 2017 May

              MAY 11 - 21st

               SEE MORE

Here are some photos from today's Bronx Week 2017 Kick Off Party

Above - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. tells the story of how Bronx Day has grown into almost two weeks of a Bronx-wide celebration of all that is good in the Bronx 

Below - This years four Bronx Walk of Fame Honorees - Prince Royce Bronx born singer and song writer, Funkmastet Flex Hip Hop DJ and radio host, Selenis Leyva famous Bronx born actress, and Dr. Manny Villafana Bronx born famous for his work in the medical industry for improving  heart valves and pacemakers.

Above - Bronx Historian Lloyd Ultan and Mr. Angel Hernandez of the Bronx Historical Society have a table full of facts about Bronx History. The pair are standing in front of one of the four murals in the Bronx Courthouse that depict Bronx History during Colonial Times circa 1684 with Judge Pell.

Below - One of the great eateries in the Bronx The Sweet Water Cafe gave out some samples of their food.

The Bronx is now known for its small local Bronx brewed beer. 

Above - The Bronx Brewery

Below - The Chelsea Craft Brewing Company which recently relocated to the Bronx.

Above - The Port Morris Distillery.

Below The guys from the Kingsbridge Social Club get ready.

And of course it wouldn't be a full meal of fine food and good spirits without a cannoli from Gino's Pastry Shop in the Bronx Little Italy.

Bronx Democratic Party - Upcoming Events

Congressman Adriano Espaillat Celebrates His First 100 Days in Congress

When: Tues. 5/9/17, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Tracey Towers, Moshulu Parkway South 

Join Congressman Adriano Espaillat in a celebration at Tracey Towers in commemoration of his first 100 days in Congress. 

For more information on this event, please email RSVP.Espaillat@mail.house.gov

Bronx Week's Health Day Stickball Game

When: Fri. 5/19/17, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Joyce Kilmer Park, Grand Concourse & 161st Street

Join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and City and State NY

for a classic game of Stickball as part of Bronx Week's Health Day. 

To RSVP, please visit: http://bit.ly/2pBWT3

The Bronx Community Blood Drive

When: Weds. 5/31/17, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: 1973 Westchester Avenue 

Join Assemblyman Luis R. Sepulveda and Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.                 

n a community wide blood drive that will benefit and save countless 

lives throughout the Bronx borough. 

For more information on this event, please visit www.nybloodcenter.org

Senator Klein, in partnership with Assemblyman Gjonaj, hosted the 3rd Annual Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration at Bronx House

  The room was full of people to help celebrate the 3rd Annual Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration at Bronx House with State Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. One person however was missing, and that was Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj who was still up in Albany as the State Assembly members are still finalizing a few items in the state budget. Since President Trump has made changes to what was called Obamacare, now known as Trumpcare the legislators have to redo what they think the changes will do to the state budget.

  With State Senator and IDC Chair Jeff Klein in the Bronx House the Annual Jewish Heritage Celebration went on. The three Honorees this year were, Kay Cardona of the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association, Marcy Gross of Bronx Community Board #11, and Paul Klein, President of Temple Beth El of City Island. Photos of the event are below.

Above - Senator Klein opens the event by telling those present that Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj is still up in Albany as the State Assembly is still going over some items in the state budget.

Below - You can see the crowded room.

Above - Senator Klein announces that students from PS 105 will be reading Jewish Heritage poems.

Below - One by one each child from PS 105 read a different Jewish Heritage poem.

Above - Senator Klein with the three honorees, Ms. Kay Cardona, Mr. Paul Klein, and Ms. Marcy Gross.

Below - Senator Klein is with Mr. David Edelstein of the BJCc, and Rabbi Shmuel Zuckerman.

BP Diaz Attends Crescent Street Cinco De Mayo Celebration

  The Annual Crescent Street Cinco De Mayo celebration run every year by the Perez family, owners of the C-Town Supermarket on Crescent Street was visited by not only many people, but also Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and his father State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. 

  Bronx BP Diaz mentioned that most people think that Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexican Independence Day, but the BP cleared that up by saying that Mexican Independence Day falls on September 15th not of May 5th. He went on to explain that Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican Militia over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th in the year 1862. Below are some photos of the event.

Above - A large stage was set up for the entertainment which included several bands and local talent.

Below - There was face painting for children, and a stilt walker among the many vendors offering free food, refreshments, and community advice.

Above - Sets of Yankee tickets were given away on the half hour.

Below - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is introduced.

Above - State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. (BP Diaz's father) speaks to the crowd about Cinco de Mayo.

Below - BP Diaz is given an honorary Mexican hat in for Cinco de Mayo.

Above - The cake made by Egidio's Bakery is guarded by Diego one of the workers there until it is time for dessert. 

Below - Bronxnet T.V. was on hand to interview people about Cinco de Mayo, including Mr. Jason Cancel candidate for the 15th City Council district.

DOI INVESTIGATION FINDS SYSTEMIC MISUSE OF CITY-OWNED VEHICLES BY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION EXECUTIVE STAFF

  Mark G. Peters, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced the findings of an investigation into the use of Department of Correction (“DOC”) assigned “take home” vehicles by high-ranking DOC staff, including the Commissioner of DOC. DOI’s Report uncovered misuse of the City-owned vehicles for unauthorized travel, including trips to Maine, the Hamptons, Cape Cod and other transportation to beaches, amusement parks and local airports. Using City-owned vehicles for these purposes is expressly prohibited by City policy, DOC’s own policy, and Conflicts of Interest laws. DOI’s investigation revealed 21 senior-level employees routinely abused take-home vehicle privileges and cost City taxpayers thousands of dollars in wasted money spent on gas and tolls to cover personal trips. As a result, DOI is referring the findings for these 21 individuals to the appropriate enforcement bodies for further review and has issued recommendations to address the vulnerabilities identified in the Report that contributed to this systemic misuse. A copy of DOI’s report can be found at the following link: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/doi/newsroom/publicreports.page. 

  Commissioner Mark Peters said, “DOC staff, including the Commissioner, routinely misused City vehicles and violated City rules. This widespread disregard of policy undercuts DOC’s ability to ensure order and discipline at an agency already struggling to control violence and crime in its jails, issues that DOI has been investigating for the past three years. Most disturbing in this report is the conduct of senior officials who must be accountable for their actions.” 

  DOI’s investigation began with an anonymous allegation that DOC Commissioner Joseph Ponte, and other high-ranking and executive staff, were misusing their take-home vehicles for personal use. DOI reviewed vehicle usage in Calendar Year 2016, mapping over 24.5 million GPS data points, analyzing dozens of vehicle usage maps, vehicle assignment records, gas card data and E-ZPass statements to determine if unauthorized trips were taken. Of the 98 take-home vehicles and corresponding maps that were reviewed, DOI determined that approximately 40% of those maps demonstrated irregular travel to locations out-of-state or outside of the five boroughs on weekends and holidays, with the most egregious examples including multiple trips to shopping malls, area airports on nights and weekends, beaches, spas, resorts and other destinations without corresponding timesheets. 

  

  DOC vehicle policies expressly prohibit unauthorized out-of-state travel, E-ZPass usage for non-official charges, and requires all DOC drivers to maintain vehicle usage logs or “trip sheets” to prove compliance with the policies. Interviews with DOC’s Transportation Division revealed that each of the subjects in DOI’s Report received copies of the City Handbook, which describes City take-home vehicle policy and DOC’s vehicle policies. 

  DOI’s investigation revealed misuse of take-home vehicles by DOC top-level executives: 

  Commissioner Ponte drove his assigned vehicle out of New York State on 28 occasions, for multiple days at a time, with many of the trips to areas of Costal Maine, and used his vehicle outside of New York State on personal business for 90 calendar days in 2016 – approximately 24.6% of the calendar year.

   Chief of Staff Jeff Thamkittikasem used his City vehicle to drive to a friend’s house in Virginia for a birthday party, informing DOI that since he answered phone calls and emails while he was out of town he considered it to be the equivalent of being at work, even submitting his timesheet to reflect he had been at work during that time. 

  Acting First Deputy Commissioner Cynthia Brann told DOI that she used her City vehicle on weekends almost exclusively for shopping, including trips to Woodbury Commons Outlets and the Gallery at Westbury Plaza, among others.

  Deputy Commissioner (“DC”) Gregory Kuczinski, who oversees the Department’s internal investigations, took over 20 trips to Westchester County in his take-home vehicle on personal business, including a vacation day to go golfing and multiple trips to John F. Kennedy (“JFK”) and LaGuardia airports to transport family.  

  DC Kuczinski was previously fined $1,500 by the Conflicts of Interest Board (“COIB”) for having a subordinate transport him and his family to JFK Airport for a family vacation in 2015, in which Kuczinski admitted in a statement that he did not have authorization to use the vehicle which was, by his admission, “to be used for official business only.”

  

 All of these senior staff members informed DOI that they considered themselves to be on “24-hour call” and therefore needed to respond from wherever they went, making the use of their City-assigned vehicles permissible during these times, however, no staff member reported having ever actually responded to any departmental emergency from the locations cited by DOI in its Report and some staff admitted that personal response from long distance was not practical in any event. The City’s Department of Administrative Services (“DCAS”) also confirmed that no 24-hour, on-call allowance or exception exists. 

  Beyond misuse of vehicles, DOI’s investigation also found DOC recordkeeping and maintenance is unorganized, with staff routinely failing to submit or maintain monthly trip sheets. As a result of this systemic abuse of car privileges and additional compliance issues, DOI has issued recommendations to DOC, including:

   DOC should reissue to all staff who drive City-assigned vehicles the Citywide rules and regulations that prohibit the use of City vehicles for personal use, and each driver acknowledge receipt of the policies. 

  DOC must enforce existing policies related to vehicle usage, including the requirement that drivers maintain trip sheets, and DOC should have a centralized way of tracking these trip sheets. 

  DOC should conduct periodic audits of E-ZPass and gas card usage to ensure that unauthorized out-of state travel is not occurring. 

  DOC should conduct annual audits of vehicle usage. GPS data should be used to aid in these audits.

  DOI Commissioner Mark Peters thanked Deputy Commissioner and Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman of the DCAS Fleet Services Unit, and his staff, for their assistance and cooperation in this investigation.

Ben Franklin Democratic Club Dinner

  Last Night the Ben Franklin Democratic Club Dinner was held. In TRUE DEMOCRACY this reporter was told by 81st A.D. Female District Leader, and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz's Chief of Staff Randi Martos not to attend the club dinner even though other reporters were welcome to attend.

  It is the loss of those who were honored not to get the publicity they would have gotten here and in my column in the Bronx Voice. 

  As State Comptroller Tom di Napoli said at a recent Ben Franklin club meeting 'that political clubs are loosing the power they once had as has been evidenced by the past presidential election'. Come to think of it, the room that night was not as crowded as it has been in the past.

   I can only guess that this year's Ben Franklin dinner was not as good as last year's dinner, could that be the reason why I was kept away?