Release #198-00-2000

Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-2958
Thomas Antenen (DOC) (212) 266-1414

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced the purchase of 11,000 protective vests for members of the New York City Correction Department. The Mayor was joined by Correction Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik and President of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, Norman Seabrook.

"The men and women of the Correction Department deserve the best protection that we can provide," Mayor Giuliani said. "These vests will help protect Correction Officers as well as inmates from violent crimes. The safety record of the New York City Department of Correction is a model for correction systems from all over the country. Their record of reducing violence in our jails is truly incredible, and I would like to thank Commissioner Kerik and Norman Seabrook for helping us make the Correction Department even stronger."

Correction Commissioner Kerik said, "Prior to this administration, the Correction Department, averaged more than 140 stabbings and slashings each month. In the last five years, we have reduced those incidents by over 90% through initiatives like conducting more inmate searches, the formation of the Gang Intelligence Unit and the purchasing of new equipment. These vests will allow us to make even more progress in increasing the safety of the City's jails."

Norman Seabrook said, "I would like to thank the Mayor for keeping his word and working to prevent serious injury to Correction Officers. It allows the officers and their families to know that they will return home from work just as safely as they left."

The vests cost $426 each. Of the 11,000 vests, most will be puncture-proof and cannot be punctured by knives, ice-picks, shanks and razor blades. 833 of the vests will be bullet-proof and will be issued to Correction Officers who carry firearms as part of their duties. Inmate-on-inmate violence has been reduced 90% since 1995. The Department began distributing the first batch of 300 vests today.