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 White Plains, NY - County Executive Andy Spano announced that Rocco Pozzi, currently the Commissioner of Correction and also the Commissioner of Probation, will give up his responsibilities as Correction Commissioner as of August 1st.
Upon becoming County Executive, Spano appointed Pozzi to head both departments. He credited Pozzi with turning around a department that had been rife with employees out on “job injury leave,” which resulted in staggering overtime costs to replace the absent workers. With new protocols and a computer-based staff management system, the number of absent officers dropped from an average of 120 to 20, saving an estimated $40 million dollars over 7 years.
“Rocco Pozzi did everything right,” Spano said. “Not only did he institute a program that saved millions of tax dollars, he also oversaw the construction of the new Penitentiary. The old one, which built in 1916, was declared “unfit and unsafe” by the State Commission on Correction. The new staff-efficient facility was built on time and under budget.”
Spano also credited Pozzi with major technological advances that reduced costs, kept the jail safe for both inmates and officers, and protected crime victims. Over 2,500 crime victims have registered for a program instituted by Pozzi, which alerts them to when their attackers are released from custody.
Other new technology initiatives like telemedicine with the Westchester Medical Center, inmate video court conferencing with Mount Pleasant Town Court and the credit card bail program, continue to save tax dollars and reduce staff time. And officer safety was increased dramatically with the distribution of personal body alarms to all officers.
“Of all the things Rocco has done, none stands out more than the programs he has instituted at the jail to reduce recidivism. After all, this is a Department of Correction---that means we try to correct violent or illegal behavior so our inmates don’t come back,” Spano said.
Spano pointed to the vast array of drug and alcohol programs, work and vocational programs, academic and general education programs provided by BOCES, life skills, pastoral care services and the development of discharge plans, which help incarcerated individuals continue to address their needs in the community upon release.
The newest program, which began this spring, is a unique and intensive initiative that uses peer influence to change the behavior of the most violent inmates. Known as Resolve to Stop the Violence, the program is the second of its kind in the United States. In San Francisco, where the program has been running for 10 years, 87 percent of inmates who participated have not returned to violent crime, an unheard of statistic.
“Rocco has been doing a fantastic job for the past 10 years, heading up both major departments,’’ said Spano. “He has been innovative and creative. Now he wants to focus strictly on Probation and the new programs the department is considering to keep Westchester residents safe and protected.”
Pozzi said, “For over 10 years, it has been an honor for me to serve as Commissioner of Correction. I am very proud of the many positive changes that have taken place with the support and guidance of the County Executive and the dedication of the men and women of Correction who work hard in a difficult atmosphere.”
He noted that the department is on track to receive national accreditation next spring—a prestigious milestone that requires the department to meet 383 standards that will ensure ongoing attention to safe and secure custody, employee accountability and detailed written protocols.
When Spano appointed Pozzi as Correction Commissioner, he had already been Commissioner of Probation for over 8 years, hired by a previous administration. Now he wants to devote his full energies to that department and focus on some new and exciting programs.
“One that is particularly close to my heart, is the No Second Chances program that the County Executive announced in his State of the County address, which discourages young people from taking part in risky behaviors,’’ said Pozzi.
Spano said that Deputy Commissioner Joseph Spano (who is no relation to the County Executive) will be appointed Commissioner. He has been a member of the Department since 1982 and has a unique mix of experience. He was union president for 9 years, switched roles to become Special Assistant to Pozzi in 2005 and was promoted to Deputy in 2006 and has headed up jail operations ever since.
“Working with Rocco has been an invaluable learning experience. His leadership style and ability has transformed every aspect of the department. I am honored and excited to be given the opportunity to fill his shoes, and I look forward to working with a great team of professionals to continue to enhance the department,” said Joe Spano.
The County Executive said the close link between Probation and Correction would continue, especially since both men work so well together. “I understand Rocco’s wishes. Heading up two major departments is a lot to ask and he’s been doing it for 10 years. Joe Spano can more than run with the ball. His knowledge and experience has been invaluable, and I know he is the perfect person for the position.’’
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