FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:May 16, 2022
CONTACT: Press Office
Ronald A. Brereton to Serve as Deputy Commissioner of Security Operations
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision veteran brings over three decades of correctional and security experience to DOC
East Elmhurst, NY – May 16, 2022- DOC has appointed a new Deputy Commissioner for Security Operations, Ronald A. Brereton, a 33-year veteran of NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). In his new role, Mr. Brereton will oversee the Custody Management Division, the Centralized Movement Unit, the Correction Intelligence Bureau, Special and Central Operations Divisions, and the Operational Security Intelligence Unit. He will be responsible for ensuring the proper placement of individuals in custody by using data to determine each person’s institutional risk. In addition, he will monitor department-wide systems to ensure quality control measures are met and improve safety for officers, non[1]uniform staff, and people in custody.
Mr. Brereton began his career as a correction officer at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1985, then rose through the ranks at numerous DOCCS postings, eventually retiring from DOCCS in 2018 as Superintendent at Lincoln Correctional Facility. In addition to Sing Sing and Lincoln, he also held positions at Queensboro, Taconic, and Fulton correctional facilities, as well as Edgecombe Residential Treatment Facility.
As Deputy Superintendent for Security at Queensboro, Mr. Brereton was able to reduce absenteeism, overtime, and uses of force, leading to smoother operations and more humane conditions.
At Fulton, he managed the day-to-day operations of the entire facility, including soliciting and obtaining funding to make crucial infrastructural repairs, and implemented departmental mandates to clarify best practices, which resulted in a reduction of complaints from people in custody.
Mr. Brereton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Mercy College, is a Certified Corrections Manager and Auditor with the American Correctional Association, and a member of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice and the North American Warden’s Association.
A native of Barbados, Mr. Brereton emigrated to the United States in 1981 and joined the United States Air Force Reserves, where he retired as a Technical Sergeant in 2003. After leaving DOCCS, his passion for the Air Force led him to become a mentor to young children and teach STEM and beginner pilot programs to disadvantaged youth.
“I have complete confidence that Ronald’s skills and experience will be an asset to this department,” said DOC Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “He has a proven track record of implementing correctional best practices, improving facility operations, and is a security-minded expert. He is innovative and knowledgeable and exactly the kind of person who will help us fix this agency.”
“I want to thank Commissioner Molina and I am happy to be joining DOC because I have a lot more to give,” said Mr. Brereton. “It is a privilege and an honor to be called upon to help one of the largest jail systems in the United States, one filled with highly talented and driven people who deserve the best working conditions and organization. I am going to do everything I can to help bring that to them.”
“Superintendent Brereton presented ambitious and attainable goals which helped to move the goals of the department forward,” said Luis R. Marshall, retired DOCCS Supervising Superintendent. “He consistently treated both staff and persons in custody with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances we were encountering. He always handled crisis management in a precise and objective manner, without deviating from the rules, regulations and policies. He spent countless hours trying to keep the operation safe for staff, also the person in custody population.”
“Mr. Brereton is the consummate corrections professional,” said Dawson Brown, retired Superintendent of Groveland Correctional Facility, who worked with Mr. Brereton at Sing Sing. “His command of procedures to ensure safety of persons in custody and staff alike is extraordinary. I am confident that his professional leadership abilities and corrections knowledge and experience will be an asset as he takes over this new role."
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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.