News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2021

DOC TO MOVE TO 12-HOUR SHIFTS IN PREPARATION FOR VACCINATION DEADLINE

Mayor de Blasio signed an Executive Order empowering DOC to introduce 12-hour cautionary measure

EAST ELMHURST – The Department of Correction will move to 12-hour shifts to ensure adequate staffing at city jails in advance of the Nov. 30 vaccination deadline for uniformed DOC personnel. The shift is consistent with other city agencies’ actions during events that require additional staff support.

“The officers coming to work every day have gone above and beyond to support their city,” said DOC Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi. “While we hope every member of service understands how important it is to be vaccinated, we also recognize that we must be prepared. This is a step that other city agencies took and it’s one we felt was appropriate for us.”

Around 73% of uniformed DOC staff have been vaccinated, up from 46% when the mandate was first announced.

To promote vaccination among officers, DOC has held town halls, hosted family days, distributed robocalls and palm cards, introduced a $500 vaccination incentive for uniformed staff, recorded video messages from famous New Yorkers and other DOC officers, posted signage around facilities and on digital message boards, including an LED truck at Rikers Island.

Twelve-hour shifts will mostly be divided into two tours, a 6AM-to-6PM and a 6PM-to-6AM with some split shifts to cover other staffing needs.

Wardens will notify their officers of the changes to their tours.

In order to initiate the change, the Mayor signed an Emergency Executive Order, which suspends subdivisions b and c of section 9-116 of the Administrative Code to allow the Commissioner of Correction to establish additional or alternative tours for uniformed officers.

The order is effective immediately.

Uniformed staff who do not have a pending reasonable accommodation request or show proof of receiving the first COVID vaccine dose by Nov. 30 will be placed on Leave Without Pay (LWOP), beginning Dec. 1. Officers on Leave Without Pay will not receive a paycheck until they show proof of vaccination, will be forced to surrender their firearm, vests and shield and they will not be eligible for holiday pay and a uniform allowance.

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The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment while providing individuals in our care with a path to successfully re-enter their communities. The Department provides for the care and custody of people ordered held by the courts and awaiting trial or who are convicted and sentenced to one year or less of jail time. DOC manages 9 facilities housing people in custody, 8 of which are located on Rikers Island. The Department also operates two hospital wards (Bellevue and Elmhurst hospitals) and court facilities in each borough. Our dedicated workforce of both uniformed and non-uniformed staff members represents the city’s Boldest.