As Reprinted in NYCDOC'sOn Dec. 12, | Correction Commissioner Anna M. Kross, who championed BOC's creation, reprinted the entire text in her 1960 annual report. It is reproduced here. |
Mayor Fills 2 Board of Correction Vacancies; Swears Suarez, SchulteIn the above (left) 1959 annual report photo, taken by DOC photographer Cecil A. Ramsey March 12, 1959, Mayor Wagner swears in Raymond J. Suarez to fill the board vacancy caused by Rev. Robert J. McCracken's resignation. Looking on are Commissioner Anna M. Kross and board chairman Carl M. Loeb Jr. In the above (right) 1960 annual report photo, also taken by DOC photographer Ramsey, Mayor Wagner swears in David A. Schulte Jr. to fill the board vacancy caused by the resignation of the Rev. Sydney G. Menk. Looking on are Commissioner Kross and Edward R. Cass of the State Commission of Correction. |
Second Report of . . . BOARD
OF CORRECTION CITY
OF NEW YORK Despite still unmet needs in our prison system, which we shall point out later in this report, the Board of Correction notes, with deep appreciation, the sympathetic attention which you and your associates have given to the many needs of the Correction Department.
Among the constructive moves, all of which could only have been accomplished with your cooperation, are: 1. The following increase in yearly
operating funds. (a) More than $800,000 for additional
supervisory and custodial officers. (b) $30,000 to set up a pilot plan for the
payment of inmate labor. (c) $200,000 for additional medical and
dental care for inmates. 2.
The granting, by New York State, of an increase from $1.65 per day to $5.00 per
day, for the support of these inmates detained in New York City prisons who, in
other New York State communities, would be a responsibility of the State. 3. Establishment, by the Board of Education,
of the new school on Rikers Island for 200 inmates - another direct result of
the unceasing efforts of the Commissioner of Correction. The Most Critical Problem - Overcrowding The
Board wishes again to bring to your attention the overcrowding, in both
detention and prison facilities, which has reached a point of crisis. With
a rated capacity of 6,634 prisoners in the entire system, we have housed as
many as 9,770 this year. As you well
know, disastrous fires, panic and riots historically result, at least
partially, from such overcrowding. Although
plans have been authorized and approved for new buildings, little relief will
be had for several years. The problem
is what to do now. Recommendations Prompt relief from overcrowding can only
be achieved, with your help, by one or more of the following measures. I. For
prisoners in detention: (a) A renewed effort to bring all prisoners
to trial at the earliest possible date. (b) Release, without bail before trial, of
all those who are charged with minor offenses and are not a public menace, and
who can reasonably be expected to appear for trial. (c) Even greater effort on the part of the
magistrates to use more care not 'to incarcerate those against whom no case is
probable. 2. For convicted offenders: (a) The fullest possible use of probation
consistent with public safety. (b) Improved rehabilitation program. To achieve this end, the following actions
should be taken: (i) an increase in the number of
psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers in the Department; (ii) stepping up of the salary scale so as
to attract and retain the quality of workers needed for such skilled work; (The
recent loss of two of our top employees in this category points up this
problem.) (iii) an enlargement of the present school at
Rikers Island to accommodate a higher percentage of the adolescents who require
schooling. An early relief from overcrowding must
be obtained promptly. Buildings now
approved will provide an additional capacity of slightly more than 3,000. Even this will far from solve our
overcrowded situation. A measure we recommend, which would involve changes in legislation, is: The removal of vagrants, alcoholics, and
addicts charged with use, from our
prisons. Those people, as pointed
out in our First Report to you, are primarily medical or welfare cases. New Construction Substantial savings may be obtained by
utilizing minimum and medium custody construction where maximum security is not
needed. The trend throughout the
country is in this direction. Urgently Needed - A Full Time Professional The
preparation of studies, reports, proposals dealing with long-range capital
planning, development of correctional program planning, as well as evaluation
of departmental performance and other duties outlined in Public Law 25, demand
the employment of a fulltime professional.
The Commissioner has each year requested a line for an executive
secretary for this Board without success.
All of the departmental staff is fully occupied with departmental
duties. We again request your help in
securing a full-time professional as only with such an aide can the Board of
Correction carry out fully its duties as mandated by law.
A Sincere Acknowledgment We
wish to take this opportunity to express our continued confidence in the
abilities of Commissioner Kross and her staff and to recognize their
conscientious and untiring efforts. Carl
M. Loeb, Jr., Chairman Robert
E. Curry, Vice-Chairman Lisle
C. Carter, Jr. D.
John Heyman Reverend Vincent de Paul Lee, S.I. David
A. Schulte, Jr. Rose
M. Singer Ethel
H. Wise |