The
New York City Department of Correction (DOC or NYCD) is the branch of the municipal
government of New York City responsible for the custody, control, and care of
New York City's imprisoned population, housing the majority of them on
Rikers Island. It employs 8,000 uniformed officers and 1,400 civilian staff, has 543 vehicles, and processes over 100,000 new inmates every year, retaining a population of inmates of between 13,000 and 18,000. Its nickname is
New York's Boldest. Its regulations are compiled in title 39 of the
New York City Rules. Previously located in Manhattan, the Department of Correction headquarters has now moved to the
Bulova building in the northern section of
Jackson Heights, Queens, minutes from
Rikers Island. The agency is headed by the Correction Commissioner, who is chosen and appointed by the
Mayor of New York City.