Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, December 12, 2001
Release # 395-01

Contact: Sunny Mindel / Peter C. Fenty (212) 788-2958
  Sandra Lewis Smith (Correction) (646) 248-1414


MAYOR GIULIANI AND CORRECTION COMMISSIONER FRASER
RENAME THE MANHATTAN DETENTION COMPLEX
'THE BERNARD B. KERIK COMPLEX'

"The Tombs" to Be Dedicated in Honor of the Former
Correction Commissioner and Current Police Commissioner


Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani joined Correction Commissioner William J. Fraser today at a dedication ceremony during which the Manhattan Detention Complex, better known as "The Tombs," was renamed The Bernard B. Kerik Complex. The ceremony was held to honor Bernard Kerik, the former Correction Department Commissioner and current Commissioner of the New York Police Department. Joining the Mayor at the ceremony was Commissioner Kerik and members of his family.

"This is a fitting tribute to a man who made significant contributions to the Department of Correction and to the City of New York during his years in public service," said Mayor Giuliani. "While serving as Correction Commissioner, Bernie Kerik instituted a number of far-reaching and innovative measures that directly led to the dramatic reduction in crime in the Department's sprawling jail system. He turned the jails on Riker's Island from being one of the most dangerous jail complexes in the country, into one of the safest today. I am proud to have had Bernard Kerik serve in my Administration, and delighted that the renaming of this complex will serve as a lasting reminder of his many important achievements."

Correction Commissioner William J. Fraser said," Police Commissioner Kerik would be the first to insist that the credit for the unprecedented reduction in inmate violence goes to Mayor Giuliani and to the men and women who work in the jails. However, Commissioner Kerik is recognized as having been the driving force behind our achieving the greatest turnaround in jail safety this or any correctional agency has ever accomplished. Dedicating the Bernard B. Kerik Complex is a fitting tribute because he showed us how to run the jails in a way that makes them safe for staff as well as inmates."

The complex, located at 125 White Street in lower Manhattan, consists of two buildings designated the North and South Towers, and is connected by an enclosed bridgeway. The South Tower, formerly known as the Manhattan House of Detention or the Tombs was opened in 1983, after a complete remodeling. The North Tower was opened in 1990. The complex includes the court facilities.

 


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