In the spring and summer of 1979, the NYC Department of Correction sought to drum up recruitment to its ranks by publishing and distributing an 8.5x11-inch "card" that invited those interested in pursuing a worthwhile future to file applications to become Correction Officers. When the letter-size card was opened wide (as pictured above), the front and back "covers" formed a single 17x11 inch b&w group photo reflecting the diverse nature of the DOC uniformed force. The large font text read: Become a Correction Officer: A Future Worth Filing For. Below the photo of C.O. Marion Smith, posted to the Correctional Institution for Women on Rikers Island, appeared a quote attributed to her that read, in part: "It takes a special kind of woman to do this job. Your reserves of sensitivity and compassion are called on continually." Next to her apppeared a photo of C.O. David Schoenfeld, assigned to the Correction Academy. Below his picture was a quote attributed to him that read, in part: "This is the most challenging and rewarding law enforcement job in the City of New York . . . . you've got to use your brains instead of force." Above their photos and attributed quotes were listed the job requirements in all-caps: "To Become A Correction Officer:
The right "inside" page of the card displayed a photo of Captain Reginald Thorne (as pictured right) and above him an attributed quote that read in part: "I can't think of any other job where you can start at such a high salary with only a high school diploma and work your way up to a position where you will be making over $40,000 a year."
Next to him and his attributed quote appeared black-bordered text boxes noting that the "filing opens June 19, 1979 [and] ends July 13, 1979" and that those interested should "call 349-6503 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 12 midnight for additional information."
Above his photo and attributed quote were listed some of the job benefits, also in all-caps:
Anyone with additional information on "Mystery Photo #17" at the very top of this page is invited to email us at the e-address below.
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