Leadership

Aug. 26, 2025

I'd like to comment on the news article circulating in today's media about a Department of Correction Captain and two Officers who have been suspended following the death of a detainee inside his Rikers Island cell early Saturday morning.

It’s important to acknowledge that the circumstances surrounding the death of the person in custody are tragic and warrant a thorough investigation. However, it is crucial to consider the broader context in which our Captain operated. Leadership in correctional facilities involves complex challenges, with decisions often being made under significant pressure with limited resources. Captains typically rely on their teams and established protocols to manage such situations effectively. 

Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the evaluation of this incident is fair and all factors involved are considered.

Our jobs are difficult and stressful under the best of circumstances, but as we are all aware, not every day do we perform our jobs under ideal conditions.