Corrections department is "in deep trouble," new commissioner says

ERIN DURKIN


The city’s new Corrections boss says his department is a mess.

“New York City’s Department of Correction is in deep trouble,” Commissioner Joseph Ponte told the City Council Monday, testifying at his first hearing since taking the job.

He cited a series of alarming stats on spiking violence in city jails: since 2010, slashings and stabbings have doubled from 34 to 68; assaults on staff have jumped 30% from 500 to 646; and use of force by Corrections staff has increased 59%, from 1871 incidents to 2977.

“The Department’s past performance has been unacceptable,” Ponte said.


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