26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:11 PM Page 1

NOVEMBER 2020 B LDEST VOL. 1 ISSUE 1 NEWS

Pictured Above: on SePtember 3, 2020, cobA deLeGAteS, executive boArd memberS And PreSident benny boScio Jr. Joined HundredS of nyc union memberS At A rALLy in Lower mAnHAttAn to ProteSt mAyor de bLASio’S tHreAt of 22,000 LAyoffS A NEW ERA BEgiNs! 9 NEW COBA EXECUTIVE BOARD 9 CONTRACT 9 LEGISLATION 9 CLOSING JAILS 9 JAIL SAFETY 9 COVID819 9 NEW LEGAL TEAM 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:13 PM Page 2

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

COBA ExECUTivE Benny Boscio Jr. President BOARD MEMBERS

Joseph Bracco glenn Morgan Keisha Williams Michael Maiello 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President 3rd Vice President Treasurer

Lionel Cumberbatch Herman Jiminian Antoinette Anderson Angel Castro Financial Secretary Legislative Chairman Corresponding Secretary Recording Secretary

Felix sanchez Ashaki Antoine Charles J. Wingate Edward Yates Sergeant-At-Arms First City-Wide Trustee Manhattan Borough Trustee Brooklyn Borough Trustee

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION, INC. “PATROLLING THE TOUGHEST PRECINCTS IN NEW YORK”

COBA HEADQUARTERS 77-10 21ST AVENUE, EAST ELMHURST, N.Y. 11370 T. 718.545.COBA (2622) F. 718.545.2668 Matthew Romano Neil Renois Bronx Borough Trustee Queens Borough Trustee www.cobanyc.org THE BOLDEsT UNION FOLLOW YOUR UNiON!

2 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:13 PM Page 3

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION

Message from COBA PREsiDENT Benny Boscio Jr.

dear brother/Sister officer,

“Now first and foremost, with all the challenges the next fiscal year, or later, using the we continue to face, i hope this message threat of potential layoffs, as a bargaining more finds you and your family safe and healthy. chip to force us to make an ad hoc decision i wanted to take this opportunity to update that would be detrimental to you and you on our most pressing priorities, as well your families. than as a number of significant achievements we’ve already made on behalf of you and with each conversation i had with the your families. commissioner of Labor relations, i made ever, let's our position unequivocally clear- we will AN UPDATE ON COBA’s LEgAL not willingly agree to any deal that further FigHT TO COMPEL MAYOR DE delays the monies the city owes us, nor will stay BLAsiO TO PAY Us OUR RETRO we divide our membership by agreeing to PAY AND ABiDE BY OUR a provision that prevents layoffs only until CONTRACT June, 2021. the no layoff clause, offered Boldest As i indicated in a letter to you a few weeks by the city, is not unconditional either. it is ago, the city of new york violated their contingent in the short term on no further contractual obligation to our union, by decline in the city’s financial condition. United” failing to payout the retroactive monies Additionally, the city will only agree on a owed to us on october 30, 2020. this longer no layoff clause, until June 2022, on egregious violation of our contract came the condition that the city receives a after a week of numerous attempts by the bailout from the federal Government. city to persuade us to give back or greatly frankly, the city’s short-term and long-term delay the benefits we are entitled to, conditions are too tenuous for cobA including a delay of our final 3% raise into members to rely on.

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 3 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:13 PM Page 4

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

the reality is the city of new york still on their personnel records that can prevent LAWsUiT FiLED WiTH ALL NYC owes us a $9.45 million contribution to them from rising up the ranks and could LAW ENFORCEMENT UNiONs our Active and retired Health and even jeopardize their jobs. As a result, TO PROTECT OUR welfare funds that was supposed to be cobA filed a class Action Grievance on DisCiPLiNARY RECORDs paid on february 1, 2020. these funds September 2, 2020 on behalf of all affected FROM THE PUBLiC pay for your optical, dental, and officers, seeking to get these chronic in September, a three-judge panel of the prescription drug benefits, as well as for absences overturned. Second circuit court of Appeals ruled 2-1 your Legal Services Plan. Given their to reissue a stay that blocks the failure to make this payment and their NEW LEgisLATiON disciplinary records of correction officers, failure to honor our retro payout, how recognizing the injustice of slapping and other law enforcement officers, from could we possibly agree to a no layoff correction officers who quarantined being released to the public. clause with a realistic expectation that because of covid-19, with chronic the city would honor it if present Absences, State Senator diane Savino COBA's PRELiMiNARY circumstances persist or worsen? this is and Assemblyman Peter Abbate- both iNJUNCTiON PREvENTiNg unacceptable! i have instructed our longtime champions of labor unions, THE DOC FROM FORCiNg attorneys to request an expedited introduced legislation that would CORRECTiON OFFiCERs TO arbitration, where we will make our prevent local government workers from WORK TRiPLE TOURs arguments before an Arbitrator and seek being punished for coronavirus-related in July, cobA won a preliminary to compel the city to honor its absences. the bill says government injunction issued by State Supreme contractual commitments, including the employers cannot dismiss or take “other court Judge Pamela Jackman-brown retro payout and our final 3% raise owed adverse disciplinary (or) personnel that prevents the doc from forcing to us on June 1, 2021– while awarding actions against a public employee correction officers to work triple tours us full credit for the delays in all monies related to (covid-19) absences.” moving of duty. Please contact your executive owed to our members. we are forward, cobA will vigorously lobby our board member if you have been forced scheduled to proceed to arbitration state legislators to pass this bill and to work a triple tour so the union can before Arbitrator marty Scheinman on Governor cuomo to sign it into law. address it. november 24, 2020. RETAiNED A NEW LEgAL TEsTiMONY DELivERED we will continue to keep you updated as TEAM TO PROTECT AND BEFORE THE NEW YORK CiTY our expedited arbitration process DEFEND YOUR RigHTs! COUNCiL AND THE NEW YORK develops and we will continue to fight As part of my pledge to you during the sTATE sENATE CONCERNiNg vigorously for our money. we will not campaign to re-shape our legal team THE DEPARTMENT OF relent until we prevail. and improve your legal representation, CORRECTiON’s the executive board and i retained MANAgEMENT OF COviD-19 COBA’s CLAss ACTiON several exceptional law firms who are iN THE CiTY’s JAiLs gRiEvANCE ON BEHALF OF uniquely prepared to meet the legal on September 21, 2020 and September 400 CORRECTiON OFFiCERs needs of cobA members. our new legal 22, 2020, i testified about the doc'S DEsigNATED WiTH CHRONiC team will be led by attorneys who have management of covid-19 in the city's ABsENCEs RELATED TO an exceptional track record in defending jails. in my testimony before both COviD-19 DiAgNOsEs law enforcement officers. more government bodies, i asked city and Hundreds of correction officers who information about our new law firms is state legislators to join me in holding the worked in the jails during the pandemic and included in this edition of boldest news. city of new york fully accountable for missed work after contracting coronavirus protecting the thousands of lives in our jail are now considered chronically absent by facilities, including my members. to start, the city’s correction department — a stain the doc can immediately prepare for the

4 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:13 PM Page 5

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION

next wave of covid-19 by taking NEW DigiTAL MARKETiNg MEMBERsHiP ENgAgEMENT advantage of the low inmate population, cobA has retained a new digital the executive board and i continue to which currently hovers around 4,700 marketing firm to influence public make regular visits at various facilities, inmates. instead of consolidating the jails opinion on social media concerning key including on midnight tours, to speak and piling inmates on top of inmates, issues affecting cobA members. with you and your fellow officers and where we are already outnumbered 50-1 answer your work-related questions. we in most housing areas, the doc can ENHANCED visiBiLiTY will continue this effort to stay connected spread the inmates out throughout the iN THE MEDiA with you. jails lowering the officer to inmate ratio to in addition to an oP-ed i published in 15-1. this would allow us to practice better July in the new york daily news titled FORENsiC AUDiT social distancing, while also increasing "Stop Dumping on Correction Officers," we conducted a forensic audit to the safety of officers and inmates alike. As i advanced a new narrative for correction examine areas where the union can cut part of this redistribution of housing areas, officers in over a dozen news stories in costs and streamline operations for the doc should break up the gangs in our media outlets including the ny Post, the greater efficiency. facilities that are housed according to ny daily news, the ny times, the cats their gang affiliation. this practice has round table, city & State magazine, As evidenced above, the executive created little armies within the jails where wPix ch. 11, wAbc ch. 7, “Inside City board and i have been working inmates who weren’t part of a gang Hall” on new york 1, news radio 880Am vigorously around the clock to chart a initially, are now forced to join a gang just and the chief Leader. new course for cobA and to make to stay safe. breaking up the gangs would impactful changes, benefiting you and immediately help us mitigate a potential issues addressed include the prevention your families. And we are achieving this second wave of covid-19 and make our of layoffs, re-investing in and enhancing with the utmost transparency. facilities safer for everyone. our current jails instead of building new jails, maintaining punitive segregation while we are undoubtably facing LEgisLATivE ADvOCACY for violent offenders, sounding the alarm unprecedented challenges, we are fully in an effort to prevent layoffs, the on the rise in inmate assaults on prepared to go to war to protect our jobs executive board and i held multiple correction officers, breaking up the and benefits and improve our working meetings with leaders throughout every gangs housed by their affiliations, and conditions. but with any battle we engage level of government including mayor preparing the jails for a second wave of in, our success will be contingent on your de blasio, Senate majority Leader covid-19. continued support and solidarity. Andrea Stewart-cousins, Senator Luis Sepulveda, Assemblyman david weprin, we also launched a five-day radio Now more than ever, let's stay Boldest Assemblyman Peter Abbate, Senator campaign on 1010 winS, wbLS, Power United! Andrew Gounardes, and councilman 105, LA meGA, wfAn, and wKtu to urge Keith Powers just to name a few. new yorkers to tell mayor de blasio to in Solidarity, stop closing jails and to instead, allow us BENEFiTs UPgRADE FOR to maintain proper social distancing in RETiREEs the jails to stop the spread of covid-19. benny boscio Jr. As part of our continued efforts to President enhance your benefits, we are pleased DELEgATE sEMiNAR to announce that effectiveJanuary 1, 2021, we hosted an intensive four-day delegate there will be a $2,500 increase on the training Seminar to equip all cobA life insurance benefit for retirees, raising delegates with everything they need to it by 50% from $5,000 to $7,500. know in order to provide cobA members with excellent union representation.

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 5 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:13 PM Page 6

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

NYC INMATE AT RIKERS ISLAND STABS CITY CORRECTION OFFICER IN THE HAND DURING GANG FIGHT AMID RISING TENSIONS AMONG THE CRIPS by cHeLSiA roSe mArciuS | oct 22, 2020 A warden and deputy warden were notified years,” he continued, citing a recent surge in earlier this week that members of the gang jail violence documented in the mayor’s would be transferred from the otis bantum management report. “How many more of A rikers island inmate stabbed a city correctional center at rikers to the George our correction officers have to be stabbed or correction officer through the back of her r. vierno center due to an ongoing beef assaulted until this city starts putting safety hand during a gang fight on thursday — between the groups, the email said. “over and security first?” just two days after jail leadership was the course of the last few months there has warned about rising tensions among been an ongoing internal feud amongst the correction deputy commissioner of Public members of the crips, the daily news has rollin' and 280 crip sets against the 8 trey information Peter thorne said the agency is learned. the melee broke out thursday just crip sets," read the email sent wednesday to looking into the incident. “our officers work after 11 a.m. at the George r. vierno center jail warden Sherma dunbar and dep. warden tirelessly to keep all those who live in our between about 15 alleged gang members, Jonelle Shivraj. the feud has resulted at four facilities safe and we will not tolerate any sources said. slashings between June 19 and Aug. 26 in violent behavior towards anyone who works two other jails at rikers — the Anna m. Kross for the department," he said. "we are the correction officer — whose name has center and the robert n. davoren complex investigating and will pursue rearrests as not been released — leapt into the fray to — documented by the agency’s intelligence necessary.” break up the fight. that’s when one inmate bureau, the email said. correction officers' stuck a silver blade at least 5 inches long benevolent Association President benny into the back of her hand. the weapon boscio said thursday’s stabbing was further pierced through her hand and came out the proof the city needs to preserve punitive other side, according to gruesome pictures segregation — commonly referred to as of the wound. solitary confinement, a practice mayor bill de blasio said in June he wanted to end. “this the officer was sent to mount Sinai horrific inmate stabbing of our correction Hospital in Queens, where she was treated officer who was attempting to break up an for her injuries. it was unclear on thursday inmate fight involving 15 members of the which inmate stabbed the officer. bad crips gang is yet another reason why ending blood between opposing crip sets in the punitive segregation entirely is completely jails already resulted in several bouts of reckless, and is only going to jeopardize the A city correction officer was stabbed in the back of the hand by violence this summer, according to an lives of my members," boscio said. an inmate on thursday at rikers island while trying to break up internal email obtained by the news. “Slashings and stabbings are up 16% this a gang fight (obtained by daily news)

6 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:13 PM Page 7

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION Joseph Bracco 1st Vice President

Joseph bracco is the 1st vice President Joseph is also in charge of the carl of the cobA. recognized as a veteran, rachlin Scholarship. every year, the he has worked for the new york city money raised at the cobA Golf outing is department of corrections for 36 years used to provide a $1000 scholarship to and counting. the children of correction officers who are currently attending school. this has recently been extended to active Since being appointed to the cobA correction officers who are continuing Joseph Bracco executive board in october of 1998, he their studies as well. Since its inception 1st vice President has been elected and re-elected countless in 1996, the cobA Scholarship fund has [email protected] times. from June of 1999 to 2003, 2007, provided over $770,000 in scholarships. 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. Holding this position for over the past 22 years says a Mr. Bracco is Assigned to: great deal about his consistency, hard • cobA chief of Staff work and dedication to his members. His • membership benefits responsibilities in the past have included • cobA Golf outing & carl rachlin but were not limited to emtc, AmKc, Scholarship obcc/cPSu, JAtc, nic, bxdc, bKdc, • 1st deputy commissioner’s office mdc, Qdc, vcbc, bHPw, eHPw, SSd, (dealing with Probationary officers) Sod, iu, eSu and Headquarters. • chief of Administration’s office

WHAT CORRECTION OFFICERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOLIDAY PAY AND UNIFORM ALLOWANCES

By: Joseph Bracco, 1st vice President on december 21, 2020, you would receive Uniform a partial holiday check in January 2021. allowance ($1,100) The City of New York pays each uniform you would not be entitled to holiday pay employee a Uniform Allowance and for christmas day or new year’s day due Holiday check in accordance with • the member must be on the payroll for to the fact that you were not on the payroll existing standard procedures. a full six (6) months during the fiscal year. for these holidays. the fiscal year runs from July 1- June 30. THE PROCEDURES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Uniform Holidays: this check is received annually in New Year’s Day december. if for any reason you are off Holiday Pay Lincoln’s Birthday the payroll during the first 6 months of uniform employees are entitled to partial President’s Day the fiscal year (July 1- dec 31) for more holiday checks. when Holiday Pay is Memorial Day than 5 days, a uniform allowance check calculated, both base Pay and Longevity Independence Day (4th of July) would not be issued until the time off the are utilized. each year we receive two Labor Day payroll was made up in the second half holiday checks: the first one is in January Columbus Day of the fiscal year (Jan 1- June 30). for 6 days and the second one is in July Election Day for 5 days. A uniform employee is paid for Veteran’s Day • there is no such thing as a partial or each holiday that he/she is on the payroll. Thanksgiving Day pro-rated uniform allowance. for example, if you came off the payroll Christmas Day

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 7 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:13 PM Page 8

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION Glenn morgan 2nd Vice President

Glenn morgan joined the department of Glenn has identified the most pressing correction in 2002 and was assigned to issues facing Correction Officers today: obcc, where he served as an officer for the department failed to respond to the 18 years. during his time at obcc, He risk assessment plaguing officers working worked in cPSu, Security, and in within any housing areas inside nyc jails. the Storehouse. while working in the Storehouse, Glenn sought to become a • for example, gang affiliation housing Glenn Morgan 2nd vice President union delegate for the building. is problematic and puts the officers at [email protected] He attained the position in 2015 and risk due to a lack of control within that continued to serve as a delegate until his environment. election in 2020 as 2nd vice President for the correction officers’ benevolent • Another example is limited resources Association. and inoperable equipment; most helmets provided are broken, and riot vests are As an officer, Glenn experienced and soiled with unknown substances and witnessed the day to day struggles of have not been cleaned nor removed rikers island correctional officers. As a from circulation. Mr. Morgan is Assigned to: delegate, he was not only a sounding chief of department board and mediator but also fought for • the department penalizes its correction chief of facility ops the safety and rights of his fellow officers. officers for every procedure violation. chief of Security However, doc fails to follow its obcc the rise in safety concerns amongst the protocol. this injustice has resulted in rndc officers prompted Glenn to run for a low morale amongst the members and position within the correction officers’ a lack of faith within this department. benevolent Association. He felt cobA needed a fresh new voice who has work alongside the board members and experience within the jails. A voice to delegates assigned to your facility to represent new york city correctional ensure that all security matters and officers whose concerns and safety issues are addressed. Glenn's goals are deserve to be addressed. to hold the department of correction to the same standard they have for its service members.

"CORRECTiON OFFiCERs' sAFETY sHOULD NEvER BE COMPROMisED; WE DEMAND THE SAME CONCERN FOR OUR SECURITY AS GIVEN TO THE INMATE POPULATION."

8 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:13 PM Page 9

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION WORKPLACE call to VIOLENCE LAW & YOUR SAFETY action when no one cares for officers it is up to coBa to step it up and go it alone. we have one pending lawsuit on jail safety. To step up the pressure we Fight for hope to file many more charges with the new york state department of labor under the state workplace Violence law to pressure the doc to your own stem this flow of blood, but we need your help to keep the pressure on.

wHaT can yoU do? Safety Here are THree THinGs:

1 if you see something, say something! when an area is understaffed, or a cell door needs to be fixed, file the repair request and send a copy to cobA directly or through your delegates. Keep good records and in your memo books!

2 The workplace Violence Program states “in the event of imminent danger, a staff member may inform PeSH without first notifying their supervisor.” Please do so and you may keep your name anonymous by going through the union.

3 report each and every incident that the law considers “workplace violence” internally and send a copy to the email below. it is defined much more broadly than what the department might like:

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE (WPV): Any physical assault or act of aggressive behavior occurring where a public employee performs any work-related duty in the course of his or her employment including, but not limited to: a) an attempt or threat, whether verbal or physical, to inflict physical injury upon an employee; b) any intentional display of force which would By: Glenn Morgan, 2nd vice President give an employee reason to fear or expect bodily harm; c) intentional and wrongful physical contact with a person NUNEz V. NEW YORK without his or her consent that entails some injury; and d) stalking an employee with the intent of causing fear or material five years ago, the most restrictive jail-reform consent decree harm to the physical safety and health of such employee when in uS history was enacted between mayor de blasio and Legal such stalking has arisen through and in the course of Aid. that Social experiment is a failure. neither it nor any employment. follow up ever involved or considered officers’ safety and unsurprisingly none of the “reforms” reduced violence for Just as we have kept the pressure up to get our members what anyone. As a result, correction officers have been injured more they need to stay safe, we also need you to keep that pressure every year with less and less attention paid to safety in the jails up internally. by the powers that be – mayor, Judges, city council, board of correction, etc. do it, and let us know at [email protected]

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 9 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:13 PM Page 10

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION Keisha williams 3rd Vice President

my name is Keisha williams and i am the commissioner cynthia brann, and the 3rd vice President of cobA. mayor of new york city. i also deal directly with timothy farrell who is the Senior i started with the new york city department deputy commissioner. He is responsible of corrections on June 1, 2000. upon for the oversight of custody management. completing the Academy, i was assigned As a board member, i’ve noticed that to emtc. for 14 years of my career, i’ve when members of service are receiving Keisha Williams worked in housing area posts, which command discipline (cd), the member 3rd vice President included mental health observation, should start to help themselves by [email protected] and work detail housing areas. i truly researching the policy in reference to their understand the challenges officers have write up. that leads to one of my goals. behind the gate. Having worked behind what i hope to accomplish is to help the gate, we are the individuals that are ensure that officers start to become always forgotten. i was awarded my first proactive, and educate themselves by post civilian clothes box in 2015. knowing what governs them in order to following that in 2016 i was awarded the effectively do their job. movement escort post. in 2018 i was elected as a delegate at emtc. Ms. Williams is Assigned to: i am also a wife and a mother with two Senior deputy commissioner during my time as a delegate, i demanded children, one with special needs. by chief of Staff/office of the that the administration give officers the having a child with special needs, i commissioner opportunity to be awarded posts. As your understand the plight of officers needing special accommodations in order to do rmSc 3rd vice President, i’ve been assigned to rose m. Singer along with board member their jobs. Antionette Anderson. i also deal directly with brenda cooke who is the doc chief i will definitely ensure all of your voices of Staff. brenda cooke answers to are heard. coBa deleGaTe seminar

10 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:14 PM Page 11

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION michael maiello Treasurer

michael is a 22 year veteran of the new supporter of all the fraternal groups within york city department of correction. He the department. began his career at Gmdc, followed by assignments at vcbc, central Storehouse respected by his peers, supervisors and the and most recently, the intelligence unit department’s executive Staff, michael is where in 2008, he was elected as the cobA devoted to new york city correction delegate. officers and is committed to giving his undivided attention to all cobA members. Michael Maiello for a short period of time, michael followed treasurer [email protected] in his father’s footsteps and was a new york As cobA treasurer, michael is responsible city Sanitation officer. while working as a for managing over $100 million dollars of the Sanitation officer, he was honored and union’s funds. He is responsible for the awarded with a medal from the city of new overall budget and financial strategy of the york for obtaining $8,000,000 worth of General Fund, the Active and Retired illegal narcotics in a couch that was Security Benefit Funds, the Annuity Fund, discarded on a new york city street. the Civil Legal Fund, COBA’s Widows’ and Children Fund and the Scholarship Fund. Prior to his appointment as a cobA executive board member, michael was the michael also oversees the Anna m. Kross Mr. Maiello is Assigned to: President of the correction department’s center (AmKc), the correction intelligence Anna m. Kross center (AmKc) correction intelligence bureau (cib) columbia Association. As a result of his bureau (cib), the investigation division (id), investigation division (id) appointment to the cobA executive the chief of facility operations, the chief of chief of facility operations board in January 2010, michael has since department, and he oversees suspended chief of department resigned the Presidency of the columbia and modified officers. deputy commissioner of investigation division Association, but he remains a strong Assistant commissioner of investigation division

@cobanyc FollowFollow @cobanyc1 YourYour @cobanyc1 Union!Union! @cobatv @cobanyc

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 11 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:14 PM Page 12

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION TREASURER’S REPORT CORRECTiON OFFiCERs' BENEvOLENT AssOCiATiON sECURiTY BENEFiTs FUND - ACTivEs STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

2019 2018 ADDITIONS TO PLAN ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TO: Investment income: interest $ 115,709 $ 76,630

EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS: Health 19,631,930 19,682,860 civil legal representation 543,572 cobrA participants 77,039 79,496

Total contributions 20,252,541 19,762,356

Prescription rebate income 263,538 325,590

Total additions 20,631,788 20,164,576

DEDUCTIONS FROM PLAN ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TO: Benefits paid to or on behalf of participants, beneficiaries and dependents: Group insurance premiums 5,022,180 5,323,451 Health and welfare benefits paid 12,467,665 12,736,120 Service fees 51,438 45,314

total benefits paid to or on behalf of participants, beneficiaries and dependents 17,541,283 18,104,885

Administrative expenses 872,570 967,305

total deductions 18,413,853 19,072,190

net increase 2,217,935 1,092,386

NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS:

beginning of year 15,138,531 14,046,145

end of year $ 17,356,466 $ 15,138,531

The COBA Fund has been audited by an independent accounting firm in accordance with its annual reporting obligation. The independent auditor has audited the above Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association Security Benefit Fund-Actives for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 12 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:14 PM Page 13

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

TREASURER’S REPORT 6CONTINUED...7 CORRECTiON OFFiCERs' BENEvOLENT AssOCiATiON sECURiTY BENEFiTs FUND - RETiREEs STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

ADDITIONS TO PLAN ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TO: 2019 2018 Investment income: interest $ 104,552 $ 65,401

contributions: 17,877,084 16,467,315 employer

Prescription rebate income 1,159,958 1,216,354

Total additions 19,141,594 17,749,070

DEDUCTIONS FROM PLAN ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TO: Benefits paid to or on behalf of participants, beneficiaries and dependents: Group insurance premiums paid 3,801,516 3,741,429 Health and welfare benefits paid 13,709,770 13,566,654 Service fees 46,940 43,474

total benefits paid to or on behalf of participants, beneficiaries and dependents 17,558,226 17,351,557

Administrative expenses 787,472 834,489

Total deductions 18,345,698 18,186,046

net increase (decrease) 795,896 (436,976)

NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS:

beginning of year 11,459,861 11,896,837

end of year $ 12,255,757 $ 11,459,861

The COBA Fund has been audited by an independent accounting firm in accordance with its annual reporting obligation. The independent auditor has audited the above Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association Security Benefit Fund-Retirees for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

13 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:14 PM Page 14

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION

TREASURER’S REPORT 6CONTINUED...7 CORRECTiON OFFiCERs' BENEvOLENT AssOCiATiON ANNUiTY FUND STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

ADDITIONS TO PLAN ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TO: 2019 2018 Investment income: net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments $ 10,585,066 $ (1,661,748) interest and dividends 2,490,125 2,258,396

13,075,191 596,648 Less: investment expenses 609,412 592,799

net investment income 12,465,779 3,849

employer contributions 10,312,483 10,889,076 rollovers 29,327 53,311 other 48,397 5,951 Settlement recovery 4,000,000 -

Total additions 26,855,986 10,952,187

deductions from plan assets attributed to: 9,887,863 7,949,079 benefits paid to participants 778,980 5,604 transfers to other plans 10,666,843 7,954,683

Administrative expenses: 428,577 449,918

Total deductions 11,095,420 8,404,601

net increase 15,760,566 2,547,586

net assets available for benefits: beginning of year 90,729,391 88,181,805

end of year $ 106,489,957 $ 90,729,391

The COBA Fund has been audited by an independent accounting firm in accordance with its annual reporting obligation. The independent auditor has audited the above Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association Annuity Fund for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 14 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:14 PM Page 15

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

TREASURER’S REPORT 6CONTINUED...7 CORRECTiON OFFiCERs' BENEvOLENT AssOCiATiON, iNC. STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018

REVENUE: 2019 2018

dues $ 10,854,087 $ 11,159,492 interest 55 44 (Loss) gain on disposal of property assets (7,843) 12,541 other 85,836 69,075

TOTAL REVENUE 10,932,135 11,241,152

ExPENSES: Program services: membership 7,235,898 8,207,022 Supporting activities: Administrative 2,315,107 2,616,447

total expenses 9,551,005 10,823,469

change in net assets 1,381,130 417,683

net assets without donor restrictions: beginning of year 4,923,011 4,505,328

end of year $ 6,304,141 $ 4,923,011

The COBA, Inc. has been audited by an independent accounting firm in accordance with its annual reporting obligation. The independent auditor has audited the above Statements of Activities of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association, Inc. for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

15 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:14 PM Page 16

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION lionel cumberbatch financial secretary

officer cumberbatch started his career this includes enhancing officer safety, as a new york city correction officer in eliminating unfair discipline and ending August 1987, earning him 33 years of the attacks officers face, not only by service. during that time, he has prided inmates, but by the very department he himself in having the backs of his brother and his fellow officers work for. the years and sister officers by standing shoulder officer cumberbatch has spent on the to shoulder with them in the toughest frontlines have ingrained in him a Lionel Cumberbatch situations. He is a dedicated front-line heightened sense of family and financial Secretary officer who has nothing but respect for community. [email protected] his fellow officers standing next to him at roll call. He understands what it means to leave the facility safely every day to get home to his officer cumberbatch spent 20 years as an family, after working with his extended intake officer at emtc, where he earned family on the job. He also has gained a |the admiration of his peers for his vast knowledge of the judicial system, and professionalism, courtesy and effective knows what it takes to play an effective approach to resolving difficult problems. He strongly believes that correction role in that system. Mr. Cumberbatch is Assigned to: officers are the unsung heroes of law vcbc enforcement who get the job done every officer cumberbatch has never stopped bronx court day under very stressful, intense, and learning, developing or looking for ways dcJc dangerous conditions. to improve the lives of his brother and Horizon sister officers, with whom he proudly After giving so much of himself over the serves. He understands the plight of last three decades to his fellow officers as those who wear the uniform, and is far as guidance, time, advice and support, committed to using his talents, skills, and officer cumberbatch is just getting communication abilities to make life better started. He spent the past seven years for the rank and file. He looks forward to serving as a delegate, which confirmed for serving as your next financial Secretary, him that he can improve the lives of his and is beyond ready for the challenges fellow officers in the department. that lie ahead. we sUPPorT oUr nyc doc BaseBall Team

16 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:14 PM Page 17

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION Herman Jiminian legislative chairman

officer Jiminian began his Law Silver medals against the common rivals enforcement career in february 2004 with nyPd and tbtA and consequently was a background in Liberal Arts from cuny at given the toP Gun Award. bmcc & forensic Psychology from John Jay college while working as a Paralegal in 2010, he transferred to vernon c bain within the private sector. upon completion center (vcbc/mtf3) where he further of the correction Academy he commenced enhanced his craft on policy and his journey at the Anna m Kross center procedures. in 2018, he decided to fight Herman Jiminian (AmKc). during the first seven years, he on a broader spectrum, to address poor Legislative chairman [email protected] volunteered for the worst of housing areas treatment against correction officers by Quad upper 9/11. during that time, he saw running for cobA delegate at vcbc. His the swinging pendulum trap and realized confidence and support resulted with a he needed to develop his craft by learning landslide victory. As a cobA delegate, and finding the intricate loopholes within he placed the Administration on notice doc policies and procedures. for numerous violations and consistently held them accountable to Policies & in 2006, he got involved with the new Procedures. when confronted with york city department of correction’s Pistol obstacles, he sought outside remedies for team where he acquired another skill, Mr. Jiminian is Assigned to: marksmanship. during the summer of immediate redress which made him a Hmd 2007, under the guidance of Pistol team force to be reckoned with. noticing the firearms review board icons edward Shanley, John Hernandez, limitations of wanting to do more within a 30 day Suspension review Joseph marchione, roger chappelle, and limited capacity, he decided to run for the committee wanda Guzman from nyPd, he led his Legislative chairman position to have a nycerS team to first Place (toP Gun StAtuS) greater impact for correction officers with three Gold, two bronze, and two department-wide.

leGislaTiVe adVocacy As a result of cobA’s vigorous legislative advocacy, we secured the signatures of over a dozen city council members, who wrote a letter to commissioner brann, demanding she immediately overturn the chronic absence designations for 400 correction officers who were out sick because of covid-19.

Additionally, we secured a letter from the nyS Senate and Assembly chairmen of the committees on corrections asking mayor de blasio to have the doc provide a written detailed plan on how it intends to stop the spread of covid-19 in the city’s jails.

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 17 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:14 PM Page 18

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION antoinette anderson corresponding secretary

my name is Antoinette Anderson. i have from 2016-2020, i was an elected been a correction officer for 14 years. delegate in AmKc. i assisted many officers i am the corresponding Secretary of with various issues. i have visited officers the cobA thanks to the support from the while they were sick in the hospital, as members. my duties include ensuring the well as sat with officers while they were members’ information is correct in the arrested and arraigned in court. i have cobA system. i oversee rmSc along with also assisted officers in several traumatic Antoinette Anderson Keisha williams and rndc along with situations. corresponding Secretary Glenn morgan. [email protected] i have conducted hearings with various i started my career in 2006 as a correction administrative deputy wardens. i have officer at Anna m cross center. while fought for officers to have days off that working in AmKc, i worked steady in quad were not being granted for them. i have lower 6/8 in administrative segregation enforced rules and regulations to be which was eventually turned into a followed properly for officers. i have also punitive segregation housing area for fought for officers not to be heavily eight years. disciplined for minor infractions. i have fought always for the safety of the officers. Ms. Anderson is Assigned to: from 2014- 2019, i was a board member rndc of the nyc correction Guardians Association. my goal is to fight for officers’ rights on a rmSc i started out as a second business higher level with the administration and to dinner dance manager assisting Sean Jones. i ended my hold them accountable for their actions. term as the treasurer in 2019.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW OFFICERS & THEIR FAMILIES 2 apple laptops 2 dell laptops TICKETS 3 for $40 for information call (212) 274-8000

scan Qr code to buy tickets on line “coBa TaKes care of iTs own”

18 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:14 PM Page 19

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION angel castro recording secretary

Angel castro is a 23 year veteran of the new working very closely with cobA’s new Law firm, york city department of correction holding the Joey JAcKSon LAw, to push back against it. rank of correction officer and currently serving as the recording Secretary for the correction Angel is at oAtH every wednesday fighting for officers benevolent Association (cobA). His officers, who are facing the loss of vacation goals as recording Secretary are to ensure that days, suspensions and terminations. we as our meetings run smoothly and that all correction officers work much too hard to give meetings have accurate, clear and permanent up anything we earned, or to let the department record keeping. take our members’ jobs. we won’t be lying Angel Castro down and accepting unfair settlements and recording chairman Angel’s hard work, along with his track record, resolutions. we brought in a legal team that’s [email protected] combined with his work ethic speaks to his ready to fight for us and has a track record of dedication to the union and its members. with success in doing so. twenty-three (23) years of service in his rear view mirror, he has always dedicated his time the monitor looks at everything our officers do to help and assist others and plans to do the and tells us it's not good enough. And in order same in his new position. while assigned to to satisfy the monitor, the department is doing the otis bantum correction center/central whatever they’re told. the more negative a Punitive Segregation unit (o.b.c.c. / c.P.S.u.), picture that the monitor paints of us, the longer he helped to mentor others. He spent he and his staff get to stick around. that sounds seventeen (17) years of his career at o.b.c.c. like a conflict to me. what’s right is right and Mr. Castro is Assigned to: Angel then moved on to the ceremonial unit, what’s wrong is wrong. it’s time to fight back! obcc the Special Search team, and then in the role fmrd/cid of manhattan borough trustee for the there is a quote by the great mohammed Ali, HeAdQuArterS correction officer’s benevolent Association. that i try my best to live by, it states, “Service to others is the rent you pay on earth.” that’s how rAPid reSPonSe deLeGAteS the vast majority of the work that Angel does i live my life, i truly feel that what you do for oAtH as a board member is centered around others makes you feel more fulfilled as a protecting officers from harsh and needless person. So together, let’s truly try to make this discipline. the heavy handedness of this department a place where we can all be department concerns Angel greatly, and he is of service. coBa celeBraTes rmsc HisPanic HeriTaGe monTH

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 19 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:14 PM Page 20

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION felix sanchez sergeant-at-arms

in the summer of 1999, felix became a Since being elected to Sergeant-At-Arms new york city department of correction of the cobA his responsibility is to provide officer. Since the beginning of his career a secure environment while attending our he has tried to stay focused on his duties meetings. Safety and security are vital. in and responsibilities, including the safety addition to this, He would like to improve and well-being of those around him. the morale of his fellow officers.

Felix Sanchez being a correction officer comes with whether it be helping with a facility’s Sergeant-At-Arms risks and consequences. risks meaning celebration or to just lend a listening ear, [email protected] the obvious dangers correction officers felix has never forgotten what it is to be a face every second of every tour. the “b Post officer.” His career started in consequences of not being able to attend cPSu, obcc, Qdc, KcHPw, bHPw. felix most family functions from birthdays to extends his sincerest best wishes to all holidays and everything in between. All those officers who wear this uniform daily these factors affect the morale of officers and had a horrible day the day before. everywhere. Stay safe stay strong!

Mr. Sanchez is Assigned to: transportation bKdc mdc we sUPPorT oUr bHPw/eHPw nyc doc soccer Team

20 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 21

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION ashaki antoine first city wide Trustee

in August 2004, Ashaki started her fair and equal treatment mixed with the distinguished career with the new york best representation for all correction city department of correction, assigned officers is also a priority. to the Anna m. Kross center and the brooklyn detention complex. Health and wellness for correction officers is a priority. As a breast cancer As the correction officers’ benevolent survivor and a true advocate of community Association first city-wide trustee, Ashaki is the executive board member service, Ashaki can attest to the importance Ashaki Antoine of mental, physical, and emotional health. first city wide trustee assigned to the manhattan detention [email protected] complex, Anna m. Kross center, and it’s Ashaki’s goal to meet the need of brooklyn detention complex, which every officer who is in need of these includes brooklyn Supreme court, brooklyn services. Silence is never the answer, criminal court, and Queens court. Ashaki education is! is also tasked with making sure our voices and concerns are heard at the board of Prior to Ashaki’s election as cobA’s first correction’s monthly meetings. city-wide trustee, she was the vice President of the Association of caribbean Although, we have a long road ahead of American in correction. She has sinced us within these next four years, Ashaki is resigned from the vice President position Ms. Antoine is Assigned to: committed to bringing forth more respect for all correction officers. respect from of the caribbean Association, but remains AmKc the officials in city Hall, to the board of a strong advocate and supporter of bKdc correction committee members, to all fraternal organizations within the mdc all ranks of leardership within the department of correction. board of correction department of correction. every day we patrol the toughest precincts in new york in closing, Ashaki wants to remind you all city and it’s time we are recognized and that: “it’s not one giant step that gets the “i see you! respected for our hard work. Safety and job done, it’s the little steps taken in i hear you! security within the facilities will continue between. Progress is the ultimate goal to be a focal point of her daily agenda. and we can achieve it together.” i’m here for you! i am YOU!”

coBa Joins TransPorTaTion family day

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 21 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 22

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION charles J. wingate manhattan Borough Trustee

charles J. wingate began his career as a through his understanding of the rights dedicated correction officer in 2004 after and obligations of correction officers making a major decision to leave his then- within the workplace, wingate was able to promising career on wall Street as a Series secure fair and equitable treatment in his 7 broker. upon entry into this new career, negotiations with the department. this wingate was assigned to the eric m. taylor marked only the beginning of wingate’s center (emtc), where his easy-going spirit success in representing his fellow Charles J. Wingate and calm demeanor immediately invited colleagues. He considers it an honor to manhattan borough trustee both the senior staff and new members of serve correction officers within the cobA. [email protected] the department to endear him. in his spare time, wingate also has during wingate’s tenure he has always the honor of working as a volunteer excelled when assigned to the intake “A” coach with the department’s basketball post and other high-volume areas. in team. being immersed with coaching particular, his assignment to the General and communicating with his peers, he office is where wingate earned the realized his fellow brothers and sisters respect of his fellow colleagues who needed a knowledgeable and trust-worthy noticed the inequalities in the treatment representative to advocate for them. this Mr. Wingate is Assigned to: towards correction officers. it was their sparked his decision to run for the position Grvc confidence in wingate that inspired them of manhattan borough trustee. nic to nominate wingate for the position of west facility union delegate in the correction officers’ As manhattan borough trustee, wingate benevolent Association (cobA). His will be entrusted to oversee union welcoming personality, strong character, operations in Grvc and nic. in addition, and tenacious willingness to advocate on he will act as a liaison with the board of behalf of others made it an easy win. corrections. His dedication to his officers Hence, he served as a union delegate at is nothing short of noble and will be vital the eric m. taylor center (emtc) prior to in the years to come as a manhattan its recent closure. borough trustee.

Scan QR Code to View Video

22 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 23

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION edward yates Brooklyn Borough Trustee

edward r. yates began his distinguished in this role, he responded to hospitals, career with the new york city department precincts, jails, and assisted with parades, of correction on february 11, 1999. After funerals, and cobA functions, just to receiving great knowledge and training name a few of the many things done while in the correction Academy, he while being part of the cobA rapid started behind the gates of Grvc, known response unit. As of July 1, 2020, he was as the beacon. in 2002, edward decided elected to the position of brooklyn to advance his career by joining the borough trustee, and now oversees Edward Yates emergency Services unit support team. Grvc, Qdc, K-9, Sod, and eSu. brooklyn borough trustee [email protected] in 2005, his hard work, dedication, and He will continue to strive for the reliability paid off and the emergency betterment of his fellow brothers and Services unit offered him a full-time sisters in blue. He has been, and will position. His interest in the cobA began continue to be the caring, good hearted, to grow after he joined eSu, believing he helping hand professional he's been could be of great help to the membership. throughout his tenured career. fighting in 2011, he was appointed to the position for the rights and assisting in the needs of a cobA trustee, which is now known as of the members is and always will be his the rapid response unit. number one priority. Mr. Yates is Assigned to: Grvc Qdc Sod eSu/K9

Visit cobanyc.org

Please visit our website to stay informed of all the latest information regarding your Union. news, Benefits, contract, and much more information that affect you and your family.

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 23 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 24

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION matthew romano Bronx Borough Trustee

matt started with the department of in october 2014, matt was elected correction in 2007, where he was delegate of the firearms and tactics unit, assigned to the north infirmary command. and held that position for six years. in february 2009, he was given the He applied his passion and knowledge opportunity to attend the instructor to benefit members throughout the development course and after a few department. in June 2020, matt was years, he was transferred to the George r. elected to the cobA executive board, Matthew Romano vierno center. holding the position of bronx borough bronx borough trustee trustee. the areas matt covers are as [email protected] in november 2010, he was transferred to follows: vcbc, bronx courts, Horizon, the firearms and tactics unit where he nic/wf, and the correction Academy and became a firearms instructor. while firearms and tactics unit. assigned to ftu, matt trained the members of this agency from recruits to matt’s goal along with the delegates the most senior members in firearms in the commands, is to help provide a safety and proficiency. He developed a safe working environment, improve passion to help and teach the members on communication and to build comradery. a daily basis, where the goal is to go home what is most important is that the officers Mr. Romano is Assigned to: the same way they came to work. have the knowledge, equipment, and nic backing of the union so they can perform vcbc in 2013, he proudly joined the nycd Pipe their jobs to the best of their abilities. He bronx courts band, where he honored the members in is dedicated to providing the best possible west facility the department in countless ceremonies, representation for his fellow brother and cA/range funerals and memorial services. sister officers. Horizon

essenTial worKer’s rally

Scan QR Code to View Video

24 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 25

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION neil renois Queens Borough Trustee

it’s my pleasure to introduce myself as the in addition, on September 2, 2020, we newly elected Queens borough trustee. i filed a class action grievance against the would first like to thank you for your department because it refused to relent continued support and dedicated hard on designating other members as work. this challenging moment for our chronically sick. we filed that grievance at membership is a distinct reminder of how Step iii. this grievance asserts that under important it is for this administration to the department’s own rules, you cannot stand strong in defense of you, the come to work when you experience Neil Renois essential worker. i’ve met many of you covid-19 symptoms, and may not return Queens borough trustee [email protected] over the years, in particular during my time until cleared by Hmd. as a delegate at AmKc. i look forward to working for you. we believe that the members at issue in this grievance satisfies that criteria. during this pandemic, cobA members needed time off either because of Please rest assured that we will not rest exposure to covid-19 symptoms or a until the department complies with its own positive test. However, the department rules. we will not rest until the department attempted to designate some members in respects your health. this category as chronically sick. over the Mr. Renois is Assigned to: trAnS last few months we helped a substantial Qdc majority of those members avoid that oAtH designation. GrievAnceS oSHA/PeSH we sUPPorT oUr nyc doc fooTBall Team

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 25 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 26

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION coBa deleGaTes

ANNA M. KROss CENTER EMERgENCY sERviCE OTis BANTUM [AMKC] t. 718.546.3520 CANiNE UNiT CORRECTiONAL CENTER Reginald Fisher [EsU/K9] t. 7718.546.1525 [OBCC] t. 718.546.6420 Mishame Hines Julio Gomez Patrice Nathan Ian Feinstein Raquel Rosario Konain Rasheed Kevin Ohlenschlager Sean Sampson FACiLiTY MAiNTENANCE Shane Sterling BELLEvUE HOsPiTAL REPAiR DivisiON PRisON WARD [FMRD] t. 718.546.1413 QUEENs DETENTiON [BHPW] t. 212.562.4331 Michael Jones COMPLEx Joann Coutourier [QDC] t. 718.575.5387 Eddie Pinckney gEORgE R. viERNO CENTER Nilda Molina [gRvC] t. 718.546.2020 Donna Schnirring BROOKLYN DETENTiON COMPLEx Ngozi Akua [BKDC] t. 718.797.8347 Linda Noel ROsE M. Aisha Batts Mauricio Peterson siNgER CENTER Andre Watson Giovanna Velez [RMsC] t. 718.546.7420 Latoya Coley BRONx COURTs HEADQUARTERs Laron McKoy [BxCTs] t. 718.590.2980 [HDQTRs] t. 718.546.0300 Stephanie Oyola Jamar McMorris Bridget Jones Vanessa Quiñones Melinda Martinez Lisa D’Agostino ROBERT N. CORRECTiON ACADEMY HEALTH MANAgEMENT DAvOREN CENTER [CA] t. 718.707.2300 DivisiON [RNDC] t. 718.546.6920 Cynthia Green [HMD] t. 718.595.2500 Steven Bell Christopher Cruz Marilyn Calleja Jeffrey Warren Gloria Richardson CORRECTiON ACADEMY/RANgE HORiZON JUvENiLE CENTER Alan Schmalacker [CA/RANgE] t. 718.707.2300 [HOJC] t. 718.533.4600 Phillip Greene Shaun Hardy sECURiTY OPERATiONs Maurice Smith DivisiON iNvEsTigATiON DivisiON [sOD] t. 718.546.1525 CORRECTiON [iD] t. 718.546.0300 William Rodriguez iNTELLigENCE BUREAU Kareem Claxton Lamont Banton [CiB] t. 718.546.3520 Shaukat Shah Mark Beharry Anthony Scoma Daniel Monaco MANHATTAN TRANsPORTATiON DETENTiON COMPLEx DivisiON CORRECTiON [MDC] t. 212-225-1540 [TD] t. 718.546.1360 iNDUsTRiEs DivisiON Keith Frazier Gabriel Chery [CiD] t. 718.546.1418 Kenneth Harrison Derrick Lascko Amado Rico Jr. Octavio Perez Anthony Ring Yesenia L. Santiago DONALD CRANsTON vERNON C. BAiN JUDiCiAL CENTER NORTH iNFiRMARY CENTER [DCJC] t. 718.546.8111 COMMAND/WEsT FACiLiTY [vCBC] t. 718.579.8341 Darren Brown [NiC/WF] t. 718.546.1120 Joseph Hehl Raymond Lastra Tricia Bazzey Kamaal Moore Terrence Bogle Joseph Travalino EMERgENCY sERviCE UNiT Edward McCauley [EsU] t. 7718.546.1525 Rommel Parris RAPiD REsPONsE DELEgATEs Alason Henry Stephanie Taibi (GRVC) Roddy Richardson Kathee Coger (DCJC) Angel Resto James Stanton (RNDC)

26 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 27

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION

Introduction Joey JacKson law Pllc

for more than two decades, i have unfairness that you often face, and the every spent my career fighting to protect the stress that you endure. it is with this in member rights and freedoms of correction mind that every lawyer in this firm is officers, private citizens, and families. committed to protecting your job, your of this it is a great pleasure and privilege for benefits, your money, your liberty and outstanding my team and myself at JOEY your family. we take that job very JACKSON LAW, the J. Jackson firm, seriously, and those opposing us in union is to represent every member of the that effort will become very well aware important, new york city correction officers of our persistence and tenacity. benevolent Association (cobA) in and no one criminal & disciplinary matters. Please stay safe, stay secure, stay will be healthy, and stay aware. the time for every member of this outstanding change is now, and here we are. we left behind. union is important, and no one will be are grateful to benny boscio and his left behind. we will listen to you, value new executive board for having the you, respect you, and go above and courage to make this important beyond to fight for you. Please know change, and to put their members first. that every member of my team thank you ALL. understands how hard you work, the difficult nature of your job, the

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 27 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 28

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION JOEY JACKSON LAW PLLC Legal Team mr. Jackson has been a member of the he worked for the n.y.S. Assembly Speaker new york bar since 1995. After graduating as a Legislative Analyst. He also holds a b.A. from Hofstra Law School, mr. Jackson was from Suny brockport, where he appointed Assistant district Attorney participated in the honors program, under robert morgenthau. following a directed the student-run Legal information successful career as a prosecutor where Service, served as student body president, he received the distinguished Public and interned with the n.y.S. education Service Award, mr. Jackson joined the firm department as well as congressman of Koehler & isaacs LLP where he served charles b. rangel (d-ny) in washington, as Senior trial counsel specializing in d.c. He also worked for the n.y.c. mayor's criminal defense. mr. Jackson has tried office in the division of Special Projects. mr. cases and received favorable verdicts in Jackson is a former professor at monroe manhattan, brooklyn, Queens, and the college where he taught business and civil bronx, as well as nassau, rockland, rights Law. Joey Jackson, esq. Suffolk, and westchester counties. At the Principal federal level, he handles cases in both the edUcaTion: eastern and Southern districts. mr. • J.d., Hofstra Law School, 1995 Joey Jackson is a nationally recognized Jackson's straight-talking legal expertise • m.P.A., Suny Albany, 1992 attorney who has for two decades is held in high regard by media outlets, as • b.A., Suny brockport, 1988 represented individuals and labor unions in he has frequently appeared on various cable news programs over the last state and federal court. mr. Jackson and his admiTTed To PracTice: decade. He is currently employed by associates have represented a diverse • u.S. district court for the Southern cnn/HLn as a Legal Analyst. mr. Jackson group of clients under the glare of cameras district of new york attended Hofstra Law School. while in law as well as those who have never attracted • u.S. district court for the eastern school, he served as editor for the Hofstra public attention. He has built an district of new york Labor & employment Law Journal and a outstanding career as a trial lawyer • Supreme court representing clients who have fallen into member of the national moot court and high-stakes personal and professional national trial teams. Prior to Law School, crises, as well as those who are average he earned his m.P.A. from Suny Albany's citizens in need of his fierce and rockefeller college of Public Affairs and benevolent counsel. Policy. while earning his master's degree,

Growing up on Long island, dan spent most Bar admissions: of his time playing sports which afforded • new york State bar, 2014 him an opportunity to play football at iona • u.S. district court eastern district of college, where he was named to the new york dean’s List and became an All-American • u.S. district court Southern district of Award recipient. dan took his competitive new york spirit to touro Law School where he concentrated his legal studies on criminal edUcaTion: Law as he wanted to be a voice for the • touro Law School, Juris doctor, 2012 voiceless. dan began his legal career as a • iona college, b.A., mass criminal defense Attorney representing communications clients in State and federal court. dan has successfully conducted and won trials in all of the five new york boroughs and in acTiViTies & affiliaTions: nassau county and Suffolk county. dan • new york criminal bar Association, daniel i. walters, esq. believes in following your dreams and member Attorney counselor at Law being a positive example. when he isn’t • new york State Association of criminal winning trials, dan is a youth mentor as well defense Lawyers, member dan is a talented attorney who was born in as a football coach for young children in • nassau county bar Association, brooklyn, ny and raised in Levittown, ny. his hometown. member

28 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 29

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION

federal courts. He has successfully Bar admissions: represented his clients in discipline, • new york State bar, 2008 criminal, civil, and federal litigation for • u.S. district court eastern district of new over a decade. through his passionate york representation, extensive experience and • u.S. district court Southern district of hard work, raoul has consistently earned new york outstanding results for his clients. He has recovered millions of dollars in edUcaTion: settlements and judgments for his clients. • new york Law School He has helped keep and fought for the Juris doctor, 2007 jobs of many union members. He is also • university of illinois b.A., an accomplished trial attorney who has Political Science & english secured acquittals in numerous cases, Activities & Affiliations: ranging from murder to traffic infractions. raoul Zaltzberg, esQ • new york criminal bar managing Attorney Association, member raoul was born and raised in chicago. His • Kings county bar family is from russia and he speaks russian raoul has handled thousands of cases Association, member fluently. He now resides in new Jersey with throughout new york in both state and • new york State Association of criminal his lovely wife, Jaqueline and their three defense Lawyers, member dogs, roscoe, maya and dixie.

Ken maintained strong and respectful corrections officers, Ken is one of the relationships with union leaders during very few that has “escaped from his time representing the Sheriff. cobA Alcatraz,” making the 1.5 mile swim from rockland county President brian the prison to the San francisco marina costello, who dealt with Ken daily, in just over 45 minutes. described him as “one of those people who always sought to do the right thing, Bar admissions: without ever thinking about himself.” • new york State bar, 1998 • u.S. district court eastern district of in 2009, Ken was recruited by union new york representatives to join nySut, where he • u.S. district court Southern district of represented members of new york’s new york teachers’ union. He continued in that Ken destefano, esq. position—adding certified expertise in edUcaTion: Attorney counselor at Law the field of health insurance until joining • new york university Law School Joey Jackson Law. Ken has litigated Juris doctor, 1997 Ken has focused on Labor and numerous just cause arbitrations, • boston college employment Law since he became Section 75 hearings and contract b.A., economics, Philosophy counsel for the rockland county Sheriff grievances. Ken was also an adjunct in 2003. while there, he oversaw all professor at St. thomas Aquinas college labor and personnel matters for the in Sparkill. rockland county Sheriff, focusing on the disciplinary investigations and hearings. while many attorneys represent

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 29 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 30

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

familiar face, providing legal commentary Bar admissions: on cases from around the country, on • new york State bar various media outlets including court tv, • Pennsylvania State bar Law & crime trial network, and univision. • u.S. district court for the eastern bernarda began her career with the district of new york Philadelphia district Attorney’s office • u.S. district court for the Southern before returning to brooklyn where for the district of new york last decade, she furthered her experience edUcaTion: by trying over 40 violent felony cases • boston college Law School including numerous homicides. She also Juris doctor, 2004 has extensive experience in evaluating • b.A., State university of new york, legal issues related to criminal university at Albany investigations, wire taps, and search Bernadra Villalona, esq. warrants. bernarda’s experience has acTiViTies & affiliaTions: Senior trial counsel made her a dynamic lawyer who • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, inc., delta possesses strong insight into the criminal rho omega chapter, treasurer • dominican bar Association, board of bernarda is a seasoned trial attorney with justice system. Given her knowledge of directors the law, she can effectively analyze issues 16 years of experience in using the law to • new york city bar Association, within cases and construct solid defense fight for others. Her courtroom instincts Judiciary committee made her one of the top attorneys in the strategies in service to her clients. • federal bar council, civil rights country, having completed well over 100 bernarda is the proud daughter of committee trials. with her courtroom acumen and her dominican immigrants and is first • national bar Association, Police first-hand understanding of the criminal generation American born and raised in brutality & reform task force justice system, bernarda has become a brooklyn. She is fluent in Spanish. committee

bronx district Attorney’s office. Larry has conducted numerous hearings and trials and acted as a mentor to junior attorneys. Larry joined Joey Jackson Law to pursue his passion for criminal defense work and civil service defense. Larry’s work ethic, together with his deep understanding of 5 Penn Plaza the criminal justice system set him apart 23rd Floor from other attorneys. He is committed to giving each case the particularized New York, N.Y. 10001 attention it deserves and to protecting the rights and jobs of each client at every stage of the case process. larry carter, esq. 833.JOEYJACKSON Attorney counselor at Law Bar admissions: 833.563.9522 • new york State bar, 2017 Larry was born and raised in the east new york section of brooklyn. He attended edUcaTion: brooklyn college, where he developed a • Pace Law School, Juris doctor, 2016 passion for social justice and law. mr. • brooklyn college, b.A., Sociology and carter then attended Pace Law School. Social welfare while there, Larry interned at a civil rights firm to hone his skill in dealing with cases acTiViTies & affiliaTions: alleging police brutality and retaliatory • new york criminal bar Association, workplace termination. member After graduating law school in 2016, Larry • new york State Association of criminal began his legal career working at the defense Lawyers, member WWW.JOEYJACKSONLAW.COM

30 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 31

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION frequently Asked Questions

- Joey Jackson law 1. wHaT To do if yoU are arresTed? Simply because you are arrested does not mean Similarly, for off duty conduct, you may have to rest assured that we will advise you and guide that you are guilty of any crime. An arrest simply display your firearm to protect yourself, or even your through every step of the process. you will requires probable cause to believe that a crime use it during a life or death encounter. in doing also need to ensure that you write a report to was committed. that is a far cry from the proof so, authorities may believe that your actions doc, informing your command of the date, of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt which is are not warranted, and are unreasonable. in time and place of your arrest. it should also other instances, you may find yourself being include the charges you face and your next required for any prosecutor to prove their case. falsely accused of crimes, involved in a court date. the department will generally domestic disturbance, or being told that you suspend you, and take away your firearm, very few officers ever envision or imagine that drank too much before driving. while no one shield and department id. As to felony cases, they will be arrested. As it relates to on-duty ever expects to be charged with a crime, it you will be suspended until the charges are conduct, for example, an arrest may come about does happen. when it does, just know that reduced to misdemeanors or otherwise through a legitimate use of force. the forceful, competent and able representation resolved. the J. Jackson firm understands the department may attempt to criminalize your from the J. Jackson firm is ready to assist you. significance of an arrest to your job, career, life, behavior by suggesting that their was no once arrested, we will come to the police liberty and future. while we will negotiate with justification for your actions. they may further precinct to see and speak with you —so that prosecutors for a just and appropriate try to suggest that your report does not match we are involved early. As innocent as you are, resolution, we are also skilled in trial advocacy, the video tape — which they have the benefit of please refrain from making any statements to and will take the matter before a jury — if that’s reviewing multiple times behind closed doors. police. your words will be used against you. what justice demands. 2. wHaT is nUneZ? the city of new york and the department of permits the federal court to oversee the doc’s his staff would lose their jobs, it calls into correction (doc) were sued in 2011 by a class of compliance with various mandates. A “monitor” question who is monitoring the monitor. it also inmates. the suit was subsequently amended was appointed to ensure that doc carries out calls into question how likely the monitor is to twice in 2012. in essence, it alleged inmate all of the requirements imposed in the notice how well correction officers are doing abuse, unfair treatment, excessive force and agreement and that they are in compliance. this their jobs. the mandates imposed upon the doc unduly harsh confinement. the lead Plaintiff in compliance is tracked in a number of reports are significant, and include: investigations of all the class was an inmate by the name of mark that are issued periodically. the first such report uses of forces; strict reporting and tracking nunez, hence the name “nunez”. in the lawsuit, covered the period of october 22, 2015 to requirements of all use of force instances; the city of new york and doc were accused, february 29, 2016, with the 9th (and most adequate staffing to investigate these amongst other things, of engaging in a pattern recent) report covering between July 1, 2019 to occurrences; the installation of proper cameras and practice of using excessive force against december 31, 2019. these reports, which have within the facilities; guidelines for punishment inmates. Particular emphasis was placed upon not been favorable, are arguably misleading, and accountability; procedures to limit inmates between the ages of 16 to18 with regard inaccurate, and not necessarily objective. promotions and job assignments based upon an to their treatment, alleged inadequate officer’s history; limiting punitive segregation; protection against violence, and the accusation the monitor cannot be removed until the and a host of other measures. based upon past that punitive segregation was being improperly department is found to be in “substantial monitor’s reports, it is likely to conclude that the imposed. instead of fighting the lawsuit, the city compliance” with various mandates for two monitor will be around for a while. and doc decided to settle the matter. in doing years. to the extent that a finding of “substantial so, they entered into a “consent decree”, which compliance” would mean that the monitor and

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 31 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 32

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

3. How do i aVoid BeinG disciPlined? unfortunately, there is no way to actually avoid morning quarterback with regard to what an guilt. we will fight for your interests and rights, discipline. every officer wearing a uniform and officer could have or should have done. what’s and do all within our ability to protect you, your working inside of a facility is subject to the whim more, false allegations may be leveled against job, and your future. So if you are charged with of a supervisor or investigator who believes that you by an inmate. And finally, a supervisor may violations of rules, policies and directives, not an action they did, or did not take, is improper. see things differently from you. while all of to worry— help is on the way. cameras are everywhere to observe, scrutinize these things may lead to baseless discipline, and dissect officers‘ actions. Additionally, those fear not. the J. Jackson firm understands that in positions of authority often play monday “accusations” of wrongdoing does not equal

4. wHaT sHoUld i do if i’m facinG sUsPension or TerminaTion? As a result of being disciplined, the department happened, and what the facts and your defense, give you a fair and objective may be looking to exact harsh penalties against circumstances are surrounding the incident. view of what to expect, and provide you with you. Just because doc is seeking severe the J. Jackson firm will work with you to our expert advise. most importantly, we will discipline doesn’t automatically mean they will assess the facts, review the reports, stand up for you, fight for you, and work to get what they want. this depends upon what documents, video, statements, and other protect you from harsh discipline. happened, when it happened, how it evidence to prepare your case. we will discuss

5. How can i ProTecT my JoB? continue to show up everyday and be the best if you must use force, make sure you do so sister officers. Just make sure you don’t over officer you can be. Act reasonably and because you are in immediate fear of serious do it, as that’s exactly what they’re looking for. responsibly to protect yourself and your fellow physical injury, or worse. Also make sure that if you have to act, and interpersonal skills officers. the easiest way to encounter a the force you use is proportionate to the threat don’t work, just act reasonably. the J. Jackson problem is to be involved in an excessive force being posed. And finally, use your firm will vigorously defend your interests by case. A monitor has been appointed to micro- interpersonal communication skills first— if pointing out that you followed these criteria. manage everything that officers do, and to find you can’t. in short, you have a right to defend fault in the actions that you’ve taken. and protect yourself and your brother and

6. How sHoUld i wriTe any rePorT? when writing any report, indicate what everything in your report correct. for this we at the J. Jackson firm understand this, and happened by giving a general and accurate reason, just provide general information to the make it our business to make sure that Judges description to the best of your ability. the doc best of your recollection. So just be careful and deciding these cases understand it as well. examines reports for false and misleading use your best judgment. but avoid being information. it’s usually pretty difficult to have overly specific about the amount of blows, a photographic memory of what happened, so where they landed or the exact sequence of just be careful. with the stress, anxiety and events. Humans are not built to recount and adrenaline resulting from a use of force for recreate every detail of an event, particularly example, it may be quite difficult to get right after the incident occurs.

32 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 33

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION

7. wHaT is oaTH & wHaT HaPPens THere? oAtH is the office of Administrative trials & confer with the doc lawyers to learn the judge at the pre-trial conference will not be the Hearings. it is the tribunal which resolves department’s position on the case, including one overseeing the trial. if a trial is scheduled, disciplinary disputes involving officers and the the recommended penalty. in doing so, we will your lawyer will prepare you. in addition, your department. upon being served with clarify our views on the case and inform them lawyer will examine records, reports, video disciplinary charges, which allege violations of our position. when you appear at oAtH, an tape(s), documents and analyze all of the of departmental rules, regulations & Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will preside evidence. in short, our firm will be ready to directives, officers are ultimately provided over the pre-trial conference. what the Judge vigorously defend and protect your interests. with a date to appear for a Pre-trial does is provide their point of view as to the ultimately, in order to be found guilty, doc conference. Prior to appearing for this strength and weakness of doc’s case and the must prove that “it is more likely than not” that conference, an experienced attorney from the officers case in an effort to settle the matter. you committed the offenses charged. this is J. Jackson firm will review the charges with nothing the Judge says is binding or required called a “preponderance of evidence” you, learn your side of the story, familiar to be followed. they are merely providing standard. our lawyers are very familiar with it, themselves with the facts and circumstances, thoughts and perspective. you are free to and will do within out ability to stand up and and be prepared to defend you. we will also reject whatever they say and go to trial as the fight for you.

8. wHaT is an nPa? (neGoTiaTed Plea aGreemenT) An nPA is an agreement entered into by the department and must ultimately be approved the facts and evidence. even after an oAtH department and an officer which reflects a by the commissioner. if the commissioner does Judge decides the case, it is subject to the resolution and settlement of the disciplinary not agree with the penalty imposed, the commissioner’s review. As a general matter, the charges that are pending. As a general matter, Agreement can get returned and otherwise commissioner does afford deference to an it ends the case and imposes a penalty that has “kicked back” to oAtH for renegotiation of a oAtH Judge’s determination. there are those been negotiated and agreed upon by the stiffer penalty. if the officer disagrees with instances, however, where the oAtH Judge is Parties. this Agreement, if reached, is usually taking an enhanced penalty, as is often the overruled by the commissioner. in that case, the signed at oAtH by the Parties, and usually case, then all bets are off. the nPA, or any officer can take the case to the civil Service results in the conclusion of the case. it is modification of it, is then deemed void, and the commission. the J. Jackson firm is here to important to note that the Agreement (nPA) is matter is scheduled for trial. An oAtH Judge guide you through that process. later reviewed by supervisory personnel in the will then resolve the dispute after hearing all of

9. wHaT is THe ciVil serVice commission? (csc) the civil Service commission (cSc) is an disciplinary determination, you may do so by similarly applied fairly and properly. the J. administrative body that, amongst other things, filing an appeal with the cSc. the J. Jackson Jackson firm attorneys are aware of the hears appeals of disciplinary cases brought to firm will do so for you, of course, when given intricacies of the ccS, as well as it’s protocols it by officers. it is composed of five (5) your permission and authority to do so. the very and procedures. As such, we will fight your commissioner’s who are appointed by the reason this entity exists is to make sure that civil appeal and otherwise ensure that every avenue mayor for six (6) year terms. in the event that an Service rules are uniformly applied, and that is explored to pursue justice on your behalf. officer wishes to appeal an unfavorable doc regulations, directives and policies are

10. wHaT is an meo-16 inTerView? An meo 16 interview is an interview conducted there are a few important ground rules to keep interview will be halted, and you will be given by doc investigators under the authority of in mind. first, limit your answer to the questions ample time to confer with counsel. mayoral executive order #16. the interview being posed. Second, if you don’t understand can pertain to a variety of subjects and issues any aspect of the question(s) being asked, Keep in mind that the department will not for which the department is seeking additional request that the investigator clarify, repeat or hesitate to level disciplinary charges against information and/or clarification from an officer. rephrase the question. you if your answers to questions are in any way the interviews are taped by investigators, and false or misleading. As such, it’s important to be counsel is present to ensure that your rights your lawyer can certainly do this — if necessary. mindful of that before going into the interview. and interests are fully protected. Prior to any third, understand that you are sitting next to your attorney will confer with you beforehand, questioning, you will sit down with a skilled your lawyer, who is present to assist you in and advise you accordingly. Just know that we attorney from the J. Jackson firm who will every way. in that regard, if you need to speak have your back at all times discuss how you should handle the questions. to your lawyer at any time, just say so. the

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 33 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 34

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

233 Broadway sUiTe 2340 THe woolworTH BUildinG new yorK, ny 10279 212-233-3800 [email protected] KmaTTorneys.com Philip Karasyk James moschella Partner Partner

We are experienced in resolving disputes through negotiation and in handling litigation in both state and federal courts for our clients. Highly regarded for our work, Karasyk & Moschella provides unsurpassed legal services in the areas of union representation, criminal defense, domestic relations, general civil litigation, real estate, probate, wills and trusts. While a large proportion of our clients are members of New York City’s law enforcement and civil service community, we represent a wide array of civilians and non-union members as well. Karasyk & Moschella combines the collective diverse experience of our attorneys to deliver timely and effective resolution of your legal matters, whatever they might be.

dear cobA members, Having represented the men and women those in law enforcement today face an it is only the union that stands between of law enforcement for over 30 years as existential threat not only to their lives, but our members and the pit. it is in this well as having grown up in a family where to their livelihoods as well. As i have environment that i believe our attorneys both my father and maternal grandfather learned repeatedly during my 30 years as who will be representing you going were members of the nyPd, i have been a union attorney the only thing standing forward are a team of professionals who a witness with a front row seat to the trials between law enforcement officers and the stand ready and able to assist you in this and tribulations that members of the law abyss when it hits the fan is the union. formidable struggle. we have all been enforcement community experience. tested in the crucible of public and media the two-faced double dealing politicians scrutiny. we have all handled high profile watching my mother standing in front of would throw five officers into the fire to cases with the white hot light of the media the door to our apartment in Kew prevent themselves from getting 5 lines of constantly upon us. Gardens, trying to stop my father from bad press. without the union, a member going to work when the streets were on caught up in a publicity intensive case we can promise you that every decision fire during the days of social unrest in the does not stand a chance. it is only with a we make and every step we take in early 60's to the pain we in the law strong and supportive union that the representing you will be guided by our enforcement family experience each time member survives. And yet as i survey the desire to do what is in your best interest. a member is killed in the line of duty and horizon i see the men and women of law we may not always agree or win every even off duty, i have never felt the concern enforcement and their unions under battle, but i can assure you it will not be and disgust i have experienced in the last attack from multiple sources as never for lack of care or interest in your case. on few months. the scape goating of the men before. beside a hostile, biased press and behalf of all of us at Karasyk & moschella, and women in law enforcement for the political class, members of cobA are LLP, we look forward to working for you miserable failures of our political “leaders” under the gun from a federal monitor and protecting your back 24/7. to deal with the real and severe societal who, if his 9th interim report is to be taken problems of inequality, racism, housing, at face value seems intent on blaming the hunger and drug addition is nothing short correction officer for all the ills besetting of breathtaking for the depth of their our jails and the inmate population. amoral cowardly conduct.

34 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 35

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION

Introduction

QUeller, fisHer, wasHor, fUcHs & Kool and THe law firm of william a. Gallina, llP

For over 60 years, Queller, injury and medical malpractice Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool and firms in the city. Our experience, The Law Firm of William A. skills and core values allow us to Gallina, LLP, has served injury faithfully address the full victims in New York City, the magnitude of our client’s Bronx and the surrounding area. physical, mental and emotional injuries so that their struggles We focus our practice on are forcefully and poignantly complex cases involving communicated catastrophic accidents and to a jury. injuries, worker injuries, construction accidents, vehicle Our advocacy skills and accidents, medical malpractice, resources enable us to touch the premises liability and wrongful lives of our clients to ensure they death. Today we are recognized are compensated fully for their as one of the premier personal injuries/losses.

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 35 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 36

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

All lawyers at the firm have at least the board of directors of new york State we will provide access to our firm to all twenty (20) years of experience and are trial Lawyers for the last fifteen years correction officers, their families and members of the new york State trial and is heavily involved in lobbying friends on a twenty-four (24) hour/day Lawyers Association (nyStLA). efforts on behalf of the rights of victims. basis, 365 days a year. this blanket He has also authored texts in the field of service is available to all correction over the years, our firm has recovered medical malpractice and each year officers at no cost. Any fees will be paid nearly one billion dollars teaches a course in trial advocacy at to us only if there is a recovery and will ($1,000,000,000.00) on behalf of victims cardoza Law School. over the years we be based on a percentage of the who have sustained personal injury as a have represented literally thousands of recovery. we have access to the finest result of negligence. barry washor, members in the law enforcement physicians in the tri-state area for all dallin fuchs and Jonny Kool, all senior community who have sustained injuries, officers’ and their families’ medical partners at the firm, have been both on and off the job. we have needs. designated with the prestigious ranking represented hundreds of correction of Super Lawyer since 2009, and all officers and guided them through the by going to the Queller fisher washor members of the firm are also members process from the inception. we obtain of the million dollar and multi-million all benefits required under the law and, fuchs & Kool and the Law office of dollar forum. Senior Partner, barry due to our expertise in dealing with william A. Gallina, LLP website at washor, has obtained verdicts and/or members of law enforcement, we are quellerfisher.com, you can learn more settlements in over two hundred totally familiar with disability, and three- about our firm, and meet our lawyers. separate personal injury or medical quarter (¾) pension rights. malpractice matter. barry has been on

THe followinG HiGHliGHTs THe serVices we are PrePared To offer To all coBa memBers: • Free consultations and physical therapists for pension rights associated regarding any personal treatment of any injury in all with any and all injuries injury or medical five (5) boroughs as well as sustained by a Correction malpractice matter Nassau, Suffolk, Officer whether from an on involving any Correction Westchester, Rockland and or off duty injury Officer or their family Orange Counties member who sustains an NEW YORK CITY injury on or off duty • Setting up Cancer LOCATION screening programs 233 BROADWAY • Creation of an injury hotline #1800 available for Correction • Access and referral to the NEW YORK, NY 10279 Officers for any inquiry finest medical specialists in 212.406.1700 regarding on or off duty the Tri-State region for any injury medical need BRONx LOCATION • Coordination of all Workers’ • No legal fee unless there is 1250 WATERS PLACE Compensation matters a successful recovery SUITE 708 BRONx, NY 10461 • Access to a network of • Total familiarity and orthopedics, neurologists protection of disability 718.892.0400 www.QUellerfisHer.com

36 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 37

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION freQUenTy asKed QUesTions

1. wHaT sHoUld yoU do if the negligence of healthcare providers. if maintain in order to register and drive a yoU or a family memBer you feel that you sustained injury or motor vehicle in new york State is twenty- are inVolVed in a permanent damage as a result of the five thousand dollars ($25,000). this moTor VeHicle negligence of a medical professional it is amount of insurance is nearly always accidenT? imperative that you contact Queller, fisher, inadequate to compensate an individual washor, fuchs & Kool and the Law firm of who sustained injury in a motor vehicle motor vehicle accidents are certainly william A. Gallina, LLP as expeditiously as accident. underinsurance is a concept unplanned and can occur at any time. the possible we have an entire unit at our law where you can obtain additional auto first thing that should be done is to assess firm dedicated solely to the investigation coverage for you, your family members, whether you or anyone in your vehicle has and prosecution of medical malpractice and anyone in your motor vehicle when sustained any injury or is feeling any lawsuits it is only through a careful review injured as a result of the negligent discomfort. with motor vehicle accidents, of the records by trained professionals that operation of another vehicle which caused one can certainly expect feeling great a determination can be made whether the the damage. thus, if injuries are the result anxiety, but it is important to stay calm, injury and damages sustained was a result of a collision with a motor vehicle with only check on your passengers and not to leave of medical negligence, also known as twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) of the scene of the accident. Police should be medical malpractice. insurance, by having additional coverage contacted so that the happening of the on your own policy, you will have accident can be properly documented. it is 3. wHaT sHoUld i do if i significantly more compensation for you essential to exchange driver’s license, am inJUred aT worK? and “your” people, meaning our family driver registration, insurance information, members and those passengers in your names, address and phone numbers with you must immediately report your injury to motor vehicle. by law, the premiums must the driver of the other vehicle, as well as your supervisor and delegate. immediately be minimal as the carriers are not permitted names of any possible witnesses. if request emergency medical care for the to make profit on this aspect of insurance possible and practical, take photographs of injury sustained. ultimately, it will be coverage. making a claim under the the vehicles, including areas of physical necessary for you to fill out line of duty underinsurance provision of your insurance damage and the license plate number of injury reports and to retain a lawyer to policy will not in any way increase your the other vehicle. if there is any question represent you in a workers’ compensation rates since payment will only be or concern of any possible injury, or you claim and perhaps with any disability or ¾ apportioned based upon the actions of the and your passengers are feeling any applications we are prepared to make all other driver. this coverage also applies to discomfort whatsoever, go the emergency proper recommendations and referrals to you and members of your family who may room. you should contact our firm Queller, you 24 hours/day, 365 days/year, so we be struck by a motor vehicle as a fisher, washor, fuchs & Kool and the Law strongly recommend that you contact pedestrian. firm of william A. Gallina, LLP at our injury Queller, fisher, washor, fuchs & Kool and hotline number as expeditiously as the Law firm of william A. Gallina, LLP as 5. wHaT if i’m inVolVed in possible. finally, the accident should be soon as feasible following the occurrence anoTHer TyPe of reported to your own insurance company of any injury at work. accidenT oUTside of as soon as practical. worK (i.e., sliP or TriP 4. wHaT is and fall, Premises 2. wHaT To do if i sUsTain UnderinsUrance and is accidenT, eTc.)? a comPlicaTion from iT someTHinG THaT i medical TreaTmenT or sHoUld oBTain for my if you are involved in an accident outside feel THaT i, or a family aUTo insUrance of work, contact Queller, fisher, washor, memBer, HaVe Been a coVeraGe? fuchs & Kool and the Law firm of william VicTim of medical A. Gallina, LLP as soon as possible so that malPracTice? underinsurance is one of the best kept one of our attorneys specializing in your secrets in the insurance industry. casualty type of accident and injury can give you it was recently reported in a study insurance companies have strongly lobbied the best immediate advice. conducted by Harvard university that over Albany to keep the minimum insurance ninety-eight thousand (98,000) deaths requirements down in new york. As such, occur in hospitals every year as a result of the minimum insurance any driver must

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 37 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 38

THE BOLDEST UNION CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION MAKiNg A DiFFERENCE! COBA sPOTLigHT ON CORRECTiON OFFiCER JOsE ARROYO (OBCC)

OFF DUTY CORRECTiON OFFiCER HELPs ARREsT gUN-WiELDiNg MAN

In each edition of Boldest News, officer Arroyo approached the man from behind, COBA will proudly spotlight identifying himself as a Peace officer with his hand on his holstered weapon. the man then turned and Correction Officers, who go reached for the weapon. above the call of duty in service to our city. officer Arroyo unholstered his weapon, making the man freeze, then instructed him to take his weapon out and in this edition, we are proud to spotlight correction drop it on the ground, which he did. officer Arroyo then officer Jose Arroyo from obcc. instructed the man to drop to the ground and had on october 22, 2020, at approximately 1330 hours at bystanders call the police. the police came and arrested 75th Street and 13th Avenue in brooklyn, correction the man. cobA is proud to salute correction officer officer Jose Arroyo was sitting in his parked vehicle Arroyo for his bravery and quick-thinking in effectuating when he observed a male approach two females sitting an off-duty arrest. in front of a salon. the man stopped to speak to them and immediately pulled out what appeared to be a gun. If you would like to nominate a Correction Officer officer Arroyo could see the magazine well of the gun, to be spotlighted in our news magazine, please which was empty. He then witnessed the man motion to email a story with any related pictures to: load the firearm with a magazine. officer Arroyo then immediately exited his vehicle, watching the subject michael Skelly place the firearm back into his jacket and walk away. communications director [email protected]

38 ||| NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 39

CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION THE BOLDEST UNION COBA iN THE NEWs

NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION ||| 39 26077 COBA_NewsLetter_Oct_2020_v14_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 11/17/20 9:15 PM Page 40

Correction Officers Benevolent Association, Inc. PRESORTED FIRST CLASS MAIL 77-10 21st Avenue U.S. POSTAGE east elmhurst, n.y. 11370 PAiD NEW YORK, NY “Patrolling the toughest Precincts in new york” PERMIT NO. 2418

www.cobanyc.org

Pre-Order Your 2021 COBA Calendar Books and Courtesy Cards. Available in December!

www.cobanyc.org

26077