On Saturday, Feb. 27, join retired A.D. Warden and former Buffalo Soldier Roy J. Caldwood over refreshments as he signs copies of his book, “Making the Right Moves: Rikers Island and NYC Corrections.” The event will take place at Sister’s Uptown (1942 Amsterdam Ave.) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A former World War II U.S. Army Buffalo Soldier, Caldwood served in the 92nd Infantry Division before spending over 21 years (1955 to 1976) maintaining calm and order in New York City’s prison system.
Starting as a raw recruit, Caldwood rose to the rank of assistant deputy warden on Rikers Island, honing and perfecting a caring, humanistic style that other officers, wardens and commissioners eventually embraced as the most effective way to treat inmates.
In the words of former Commissioner Jackie McMickens, Caldwood tried to make jail “more livable” for inmates with a combination of respect and smooth institutional operations. Caldwood shared his methods with officer candidates as a lecturer at the Correction Officers Training Academy.
Caldwood’s respectful treatment of inmates helped him safely negotiate non-violent solutions to hostage takings, including his own time as a hostage during the 1972 Rikers Island Riot. In 2001, Caldwood was awarded the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery.