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Q&A
Discussion on DOC staffing levels and officer-to-detainee ratios
2:41:16
ยท
100 sec
Council Member Restler questions DOC officials about the department's high officer-to-detainee ratio compared to national averages, exploring potential strategies for reducing headcount while maintaining safety. The discussion reveals DOC's perspective on staffing needs given the unique challenges of their population.
- DOC's budgeted for over 7,000 uniformed officers, with about 5,900 positions filled as of January 1
- The current officer-to-detainee ratio at DOC is about 0.85 to 1, significantly higher than the national average of 4 to 1
- DOC Commissioner argues that higher staffing levels are necessary due to the high proportion of detainees with mental health challenges
- The debate highlights the tension between potential cost savings and maintaining adequate staffing for safety and care
Lincoln Restler
2:41:16
can operate appreciate you saying that, but the the results show a different story.
2:41:20
We have faced delay after delay after delay after delay, and there are no clear outcomes that you're willing to testify to today about when this is getting on track and how this is moving forward, and I'm deeply disappointed about it.
2:41:30
I'm going to just, if I may, two more questions and then I'll shut up.
2:41:33
Chair Stevens, you kick me if you need me to stop.
2:41:38
I just wanted to ask about budgeted, about head count.
2:41:40
So DOC's budgeted for I believe over 7,000 uniformed officers.
2:41:45
As of January 1, I think 5,900 of those positions were filled.
2:41:53
Data compiled by the Vera Institute shows that the national average ratio of incarcerated people to officers is about four to one.
2:41:59
Yet at the Department of Corrections, right now we have, I believe, 85% of officer to detainee ratio.
2:42:07
So much higher than the national average.
2:42:10
Almost three and a half times higher than the national average.
2:42:15
Do you believe that there are viable strategies to reduce the necessary headcount at DOC that could achieve savings for the city Of New York and safely manage your facilities?
Lynelle Maginley-Liddie
2:42:30
Not at this time.
2:42:32
I mean you rightly pointed out the population, the individuals in custody having mental health challenges, right?
2:42:40
And so while we're looking at, you know, these models and they're saying four to one, what they're not accounting for is for individuals who need a higher level of care.
2:42:51
And with a higher level of care that requires additional staff to be on the floor providing that care.