Deputy Commissioner Boyd introduces DOC role in jail mental health access
James Boyd introduces himself as Deputy Commissioner of Quality Assurance and Compliance at DOC and notes Assistant Chief Joseph Caputo. He says DOC ensures access to care through escorts, transportation, housing coordination, staff training, and modernization like the clinic production dashboard.
Good morning, Chair Brooks Powers and members of the Committee on Criminal Justice.
My name is James Boy, and I'm the Deputy Commissioner of Quality Assurance and Compliance at the New York City Department of Correction.
I'm joining you in a new role overseeing a new portfolio of work, which includes health affairs.
Joining me today is my colleague, Assistant Chief Joseph Caputo.
My colleagues and I thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic and share how the department facilitates access to mental health care within our jails.
New York City jails exist within a continuum of support, intervention, and care that is shared between many stakeholders and partners.
Our responsibility to people in our care includes making sure they receive access to medical and mental health treatment.
They need to support their well-being while in our care.
That responsibility is central to building a safer and more humane jail system.
Which is why Mayor Mumdani's administration has been laser focused on strengthening access to mental health services for people in our city's jails.
Our partners at Correctional Health Services bring the clinical expertise and our dedicated staff makes access possible by escorting people to the clinic, transporting them to outside appointments, and supporting the safe delivery of care within clinical spaces.
In addition, DOC coordinates with CHS to ensure the smooth operation of
safe and inclusive housing options to meet a wide spectrum of mental health needs and all uniformed staff receive training to help them better understand and engage with individuals who have mental health needs while keeping them safe.
That important work requires daily coordination from all levels of both agencies.
Behind each appointment is a person whose health matters, and our collective work must be measured by whether that person received the care they need.
The department will continue prioritizing various modernization projects, including the clinic production dashboard, to improve processes and make this work more efficient.