Young Adult Frequently Asked Questions

Demographics

How many Young Adults are in DOC custody? How does this compare with other age groups?

As of June 2019, there were 744 YAs in DOC custody.

Between 2014 – 2018, the adult population decreased by 19%, the young adult population decreased by 44%, and the adolescent (16-17 year olds) population decreased by 57%.
Average Daily Population in DOC Custody from 2014 to 2018
Average Daily Population of Adolescent & Young Adults in DOC Custody from 2014 to 2018

How does the custody status for male and female Young Adults compare?

658 Young Adults were in DOC custody as of December 2018,

  • 635 YA males were in DOC custody:
    • 88% (557) were detained and 12% (78) were sentenced.
  • 23 YA females were in DOC Custody:
    • 91% (21) were detained and 9% (2) were sentenced.

What proportion of Young Adults Are Security Risk Group members compared to the adult population?

At the end of 2018, 16% of the total DOC population was associated with a Security Risk Group (SRG)–commonly known as gangs—while 37% (245) of Young Adults were SRG-affiliated.

Although the number of Young Adults in DOC custody decreased from January to December 2018, the proportion of Young Adults who were SRG affiliated increased by 13%. The proportion of Adult SRG members remained 14%.

Security Risk Group Young Adults January 2018 to December 2018

What are Young Adult classification statuses?

Classification statuses of maximum, medium, or minimum reflect the security level of persons incarcerated. As of December 4th, 2018, 54% of the Young Adult and 23% of the Adult population had a maximum classification level.

The proportion of the Young Adult population designated with a maximum classification level has increased since March 1, 2017 when 29% of Young Adults were maximum classification.

Young Adult and Adult Classification Status March 2017 to December 2018

Department of Correction’s Young Adult Housing Monthly Progress Reports
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/boc/reports/department-of-correction-reports.page