MAYOR GIULIANI AND COMMISSIONER JACOBSON HONOR CORRECTION OFFICERS AT MEDAL DAY CEREMONY
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Correction Commissioner Michael P. Jacobson today officiated at the Department of Correction Medal Day ceremony at City Hall honoring officers and commands for distinguished service. This year a total of 28 medals and awards were presented.
"It's a great pleasure for me to welcome you to City Hall and thank you for all of the exceptional work that you do for the people of New York City," Mayor Giuliani said. "In a very demanding and difficult job, you represent the very best in your field. Your job requires both exceptional skill and an unwavering commitment to public service -- you play a vital role in the criminal justice system. We could not have reduced the overall crime in the City without your help. Thanks to your efforts, New York City is as safe as it was in 1967, a generation ago.
"We are now getting more criminals off the streets and that means our correction officers have to perform at their best," the Mayor continued. "Over the last four years, the inmate population in our correctional facilities has increased to record highs. In fact, in 1993 roughly 107,000 people were coming through the system; last year, in 1996, that number increased to 128,000 people. Despite the considerable increase in the inmate population of our City's jails, during the first four months of Fiscal Year 1998 we saw a dramatic 83% reduction in inmate violence throughout the system when compared to Fiscal Year 1995.
"I would like to congratulate and thank you and your families for the incredible honor you bring to the people of New York City each and every day. Thank you and continue to keep up the good work," the Mayor concluded.
Commissioner Michael P. Jacobson said, "It's truly a privilege for me to be part of this special day. The job of a New York City Correction Officer is a difficult one, and I have great admiration for the men and women who face the challenges of working in our jails. They are every day heroes."
The Department of Correction awarded two Honorable Mention medals and 13 medals for Exceptional Merit. The Otis Bantam Correctional Center was awarded a Unit Citation for operational and administrative improvements from 1996 to 1997. Five Commissioner's Awards were presented to the Personnel Division, the Special Operations Division, the Support Services Division, the Population Research Unit and the Total Efficiency Accountability Management System (T.E.A.M.S.) Unit.
Mayor Giuliani and Commissioner Jacobson also honored Chief of Department Eric M. Taylor, who is retiring after an illustrious 24-year career in the Department of Correction.
"Chief Taylor has served this City and its citizens with honor and distinction," the Mayor said. "Under his leadership, the Department of Correction has become one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the nation. We wish him well in retirement," Mayor Giuliani said.
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