What to know about the 2nd in command at NYC jails

Jails executive Charles Daniels has been appointed to the No. 2 job in the city jails department — again.

Daniels was forced to resign from the senior deputy commissioner post six years ago. He then successfully sued the city with two other Black plaintiffs and won a $275,000 settlement after alleging racial discrimination.

Now he’s rejoined the beleaguered department in the same role, rounding out a controversial and colorful career.

Daniels’ appointment comes as the city’s jail system faces the potential of a federal takeover following allegations by a federal monitor escalating violence and correction officers hiding information about detainee deaths. He replaces Joseph Dempsey, who abruptly resigned in February amid sexual harassment allegations after just three months on the job.

WNYC public safety reporters Jessy Edwards and Bahar Ostadan discussed what they learned about him on All Things Considered.