News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2026

NYC DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION GRADUATES 261 NEW CORRECTION OFFICERS – LARGEST CLASS SINCE 2019

First Graduating Class Under Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Commissioner Stanley Richards

Department to Swear In New Chief of Department, Highest-Ranking Uniformed Leader and Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom

EAST ELMHURST, NY – New York City Department of Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards will preside over a graduation ceremony for 261 new Correction Officers, marking the Department’s largest graduating class in almost seven years and ushering in a new generation of officers dedicated to public safety and service to our city. The event will be held Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at the Colden Auditorium on the CUNY Queens College campus.

“These graduates are stepping into one of the most demanding and important roles in public service,” said Commissioner Richards. “They join the Department at a pivotal moment, and their commitment, integrity, and professionalism will help shape a safer and stronger future for our facilities and the people in our care.”

The new correction officers completed a rigorous 17-week training program at the Correction Academy in Middle Village, Queens and the George Motchan Detention Center on Rikers Island. Their training included CPR and suicide prevention, de-escalation tactics, use of force protocols, communication skills, and fire safety. They will now receive three additional weeks of critical hands-on training in our active jails under the supervision of veteran field training officers.

In addition to welcoming new officers, the Department will swear-in key members of its executive leadership team, including the Chief of Department, Sherrieann Rembert, the highest-ranking uniformed Member of Service. A distinguished leader, Chief Rembert served in the Armed Forces Reserve and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She later joined New York’s Boldest and has been with the Department for almost 30 years.

WHO: Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, New York City Department of Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards, First Deputy Commissioner Margaret (Meg) Egan, Chief of Department Sherrieann Rembert, Deputy Commissioner of Training & Development Dr. John Ward, Deputy Commissioner of Human Resources Ayinde Williams, DOC Members of Service and their families.

WHAT: Correction Officer Graduation, Appointment, and Promotion Ceremony

WHERE: Colden Auditorium at CUNY Queens College, 153-49 Reeves Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

WHEN: Friday, April 10th – 10:00 A.M.

**photo op**

Interested media should RSVP to pressoffice@doc.nyc.gov

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The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment while providing individuals in our care with a path to successfully re-enter their communities.