New Department of Correction Commissioner Louis Molina says he is ready for the challenge of running New York City’s jail system, which includes a troubled Rikers Island. 

“To me, it’s an honor and I am a reformer at heart,” said Molina. “I’ve worked in the three main pillars of our criminal justice system: policing, correction and the prosecutor’s office.”  

In his first interview since being sworn in, Molina spoke exclusively with NY1 about a variety of issues and concerns regarding Rikers Island.  

What You Need To Know

  • Rikers Island has resumed family visits for inmates

  • Visitors 5 and older must show proof of full vaccination and take a free COVID test on site

  • New Correction Commissioner Louis Molina says violent inmates need therapy more than punishment
  • Commissioner Molina hopes to bring more educational programs to city jails

“We have to have an ecosystem of rehabilitation, that has to be the mindset — from our civilian staff as well as our uniformed staff, and that is really the evolution of what correctional science is about,” said Molina.

The former NYPD detective and Marine veteran grew up in the Bronx. He said some friends and family members have been involved in the justice system. He believes his overall life experiences make him perfect for the job of correction commissioner.  

Molina said safety and security is paramount in order to deliver educational resources and help detainees with drug addiction and mental health issues.

“My message is clear: Assaults on staff, assaults on anyone here will be swiftly dealt with. Not only in the courts, when it calls for that, but we will not tolerate assaults on anyone here,” said the commissioner.

He added, “Responding to issues in a violent way is a learned behavior. For many of the people here, whether we’re talking about our young adults or even adults, their lives have been defined by a crucible of violence. So we have to have strategies in place from a clinical perspective, from a trauma-informed perspective to be able to help individuals understand responding to issues in a violent way is just not a way to solve your problems.” 

He said the department will follow state and city guidelines for restrictive housing for inmates who are being punished for violent behavior. 

“We are going to be doing a lot of programming every day, seven to eight hours, but what I think we’re talking about is treatment, not punishment. We have an issue we have to address with someone. We have a responsibility to keep everyone else safe, but we also have a responsibility to treat the problem that this individual is suffering from that is causing him to respond in that way,” Molina said.

He also said correction officers have to be held accountable, but the city needs to invest in staff and training.

When asked if the correction union is controlling the department and Rikers Island under the administration of Mayor Eric Adams, Molina responded this way:

“I’m the commissioner of this department and I will make all decisions. What I will say is that the unions, whether they are uniformed leadership and labor unions or civilians, they are strategic partners. They and I have a vested interest in making sure this place is safe and operating well.”

To watch the extended interview with Correction Commissioner Louis Molina, click the video above.