What's New...

The Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives has revised and updated information about the state’s re-entry initiatives, which are designed to assist individuals who have been released from prison make a successful transition back to their communities.

Professionals who work with former offenders are encouraged to review this updated offender re-entry information, accessible by clicking the “Re-Entry Initiatives” link in the menu at the left.

A variety of news and information is highlighted, including detailed information about state-supported County Re-Entry Task Forces, which operate in 19 communities across New York; editions of Re-Entry Today, which detail upcoming training opportunities, best practices and task force performance measures; and links to recorded training webinars that professionals can watch at their convenience.

This information will be updated often to reflect emerging news, programs and initiatives. We welcome your suggestions, feedback and news that showcase the re-entry initiatives in your communities. Those items can be sent to Margaret Chretien at dcjsopcaCRTF@dcjs.ny.gov

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today honored 16 fallen police officers from across New York State – including four who died in the line of duty in 2012.

“Our brave men and women in New York law enforcement are the finest in the country and today, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting their friends and neighbors,” Governor Cuomo said. “Each day, members of law enforcement say goodbye to their loved ones as they head off to their next shift. The hours are long and the jobs are hazardous. They know these dangers going in, and still serve their fellow New Yorkers with pride and distinction every day. Today we honor those New Yorkers in law enforcement who never made it back home. Today we honor their sacrifice, we pay tribute to their families and loved ones, and we thank them for their selfless acts to protect their fellow New Yorkers.”

At the state’s 22nd annual Police Officers’ Memorial Remembrance Ceremony today, 16 names were added to the memorial’s polished black granite wall, bringing the total of honored fallen police officers listed to 1,340. Those officers served 139 police agencies in New York State and five federal agencies. The officers’ names are placed randomly on the memorial wall, without rank, to signify that every officer’s sacrifice is the same.

• View Press Release and Video »

As it joins the country in marking National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) today announced that it provided more than $23 million in compensation to more than 9,000 crime victims and their families in 2012, assisting those individuals with everything from payment of medical and dental bills, funeral and moving expenses, and compensation for lost wages and support.

The agency is a payer of last resort, which means that all other sources of assistance, such as medical or automobile insurance and worker’s compensation, must be exhausted before OVS can pay a victim or their family members for any out-of-pocket losses related to the crime. OVS provides assistance to eligible crime victims all at no cost to taxpayers.

OVS also operates a toll-free number – 1-800-247-8035 – and has a website – www.ovs.ny.gov – that allows crime victims locate victims’ assistance programs in their community and learn more about eligibility guidelines.

• View Press Release »

The Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services has issued the following revised regulation governing the use of State funds and State-authorized payments in connection with certain providers providing program services to members of the public pursuant to Executive Order No. 38 issued by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Jan. 18, 2012. Public comment on the revised regulation will be received for 30 days after publication in the State Register.

• View Revised Regulation Published in the March 13, 2013 State Register »
• View Original Regulation »
• View Assessment of Public Comments on the Revised Regulation Published in the October 31, 2012 State Register »
• View Governor's Press Release »

2013 Children of Incarcerated Parents in New York State - A Data Analysis - This report summarizes findings from a survey administered in December of 2010 to incarcerated individuals in the New York State prison system. The survey was developed in response to policy issues raised by a cross-systems Subcommittee on Children with Incarcerated Parents.

• Read the Report »

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is now located in the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building in downtown Albany. All agency telephone numbers remain the same. The agency's new address is:

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 South Swan St.
Albany, New York 12210