Ex-inmate appointed to lead New York City corrections amid federal oversight
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Stanley Richards, a formerly incarcerated individual, as commissioner of New York City's Department of Correction. This marks the first time someone with direct prison experience has held this leadership position in the city.
Stanley Richards, who was convicted of robbery and imprisoned at Rikers Island in the late 1980s, has been appointed as New York City's corrections commissioner. Following his release in 1991, Richards became a prison reform advocate and previously worked as first deputy commissioner at the Department of Correction.
Mayor Mamdani's appointment reflects a shift toward rehabilitation-focused corrections rather than punishment-centered approaches. The timing is significant as Rikers Island remains under federal oversight due to violence, staff shortages, and poor conditions.
While some correction officers' unions have expressed concerns about the appointment, Richards has emphasized his commitment to improving jail conditions for both inmates and staff. He will assume his position on February 16.
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