CORRECTIONS Commissioner Anthony Torres has stated that in the absence of a designated public information officer, he will serve as the department’s PIO.
In a March 15, 2023 memorandum, he also said that all “official release of departmental information will be issued by the Office of the Commissioner.”
He said it is the department’s policy “to provide accurate and timely information to the public, media and other agencies consistent with preserving the security and privacy of the department, its staff and inmates.”
Torres said employees who wish to speak to the media as private citizens and not as representatives of Corrections “should make those media contacts during off-duty hours, and should make it clear to the media that they are representing their own personal views, not those of the [department].”
“Any employee found to have released or disclosed sensitive and confidential information regarding an inmate, staff, or original material that refers to the [department] by name or inference without prior approval from the Commissioner of Corrections will be dealt with accordingly,” the commissioner said.
Variety learned that the department is also prohibiting Corrections officers from bringing cell phones inside the prison facility. All incoming duty personnel now undergo a daily pat down.
Anthony Torres
