NYC Mayor Appoints Formerly Incarcerated Advocate to Lead Department of Correction

Stanley Richards, who previously served time in city jails, will be the first formerly incarcerated person to head the Department of Correction.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:15am

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Stanley Richards, a formerly incarcerated individual and jail reform advocate, to lead the New York City Department of Correction. Richards previously served as a First Deputy Commissioner for the DOC and will now work with a federal monitor to focus on improving safety, closing the troubled Rikers Island jail complex, and supporting staff.

Why it matters

The appointment of a formerly incarcerated person to lead the Department of Correction represents a significant shift in the city's approach to criminal justice reform, placing someone with direct experience of the system in a position to enact change from within. It also comes amid ongoing efforts to close Rikers Island and address longstanding issues of safety and inmate care.

The details

Stanley Richards served time in prison for robbery in the late 1980s before joining the Fortune Society, a non-profit that supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. He rose to become the organization's executive vice president and was recognized by the Obama Administration in 2014 as a 'Champion for Change' for his work in criminal justice reform. In his new role, Richards will work alongside a federal monitor, Nicholas Deml, who was appointed to oversee operations at Rikers Island.

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
  • Richards previously served time in New York City jails in the late 1980s.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who appointed Stanley Richards to lead the Department of Correction.

Stanley Richards

A formerly incarcerated individual and jail reform advocate who was appointed by Mayor Mamdani to lead the New York City Department of Correction, making him the first formerly incarcerated person to hold this position.

Nicholas Deml

A former CIA officer who was appointed by a federal judge to oversee operations at the troubled Rikers Island jail complex.

Benny Boscio

The president of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association (COBA), which represents around 15,000 active and retired correction officers in New York City.

Wendy Calderón-Payne

The executive director of Bronx Connect / Urban Youth Alliance Coalition, an organization that promotes alternatives to jail.

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What they’re saying

“This role represents the culmination of my lifelong commitment to criminal justice reform, drawing directly from my own experience of incarceration on Rikers, which fueled my decades of work at The Fortune Society and with the Department of Correction, helping thousands rebuild their lives through reentry programs, leadership roles, and advocacy.”

— Stanley Richards (amny.com)

“The jails cannot and will not operate as safely as possible if the concerns of our members are brushed aside. It is our hope that Mr. Richards understands that dynamic as he takes on this new role and demonstrates a commitment to putting safety and security before any political ideology.”

— Benny Boscio, President, Correction Officers' Benevolent Association (COBA) (amny.com)

“DOC will benefit tremendously from Commissioner Richards' integrity, knowledge, and wisdom. BronxConnect and all of the Urban Youth Alliance look forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Richards as we envision a city where redemption and hope are centered in our corrections system.”

— Wendy Calderón-Payne, Executive Director, Bronx Connect / Urban Youth Alliance Coalition (amny.com)

What’s next

The federal judge's decision to appoint Nicholas Deml to oversee operations at Rikers Island will be a key factor in how Richards is able to implement reforms and work towards closing the troubled jail complex.

The takeaway

The appointment of Stanley Richards, a formerly incarcerated individual, to lead the New York City Department of Correction represents a significant shift towards criminal justice reform and a recognition that those with direct experience of the system can bring valuable insights and leadership to enact meaningful change.