The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City's evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts. The Trials & Litigation Division is essential to DOC's efforts to ensure the integrity, professionalism, and accountability of all members of service. The Trials & Litigation Division is responsible for disciplinary acts of misconduct allegedly committed by agency personnel such as: excessive use of force, undue familiarity with detainees, firearms regulation violations, erroneous discharges, escapes, improper outside employment, and any other on or off-duty conduct unbecoming a member of the Department, or of a nature that brings discredit upon the agency. In addition, the Trials & Litigation Division is charged with investigating allegations of sexual assault committed by staff and/or detainees. The Trials & Litigation Division often liaises with external investigative and prosecutorial agencies such as the Department of Investigation, District Attorney's Offices, and the New York City Police Department in the course of prosecuting criminal acts.