{{Short description|American police officer}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Louis A. Molina | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|04|24}} | 1blankname1 = Mayor | 2namedata1 = Philip Banks III | 2blankname1 = Deputy Mayor | succeeded2 = Lynelle Maginley-Liddie | preceded2 = Vincent Schiraldi | term_end2 = December 8, 2023 | term_start2 = January 1, 2022 | office2 = 37th Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction | office3 = 5th Chief of the Las Vegas<br/>Department of Public Safety | office4 = First Deputy Commissioner of the<br/>Westchester County Department of Correction | rank = border|23px|link= Corporal | term_start = July 1, 2024 | 1blankname = Mayor | 1namedata = Eric Adams | 2blankname = First Deputy | 2namedata = J. Carolina Chavez (2025-present)<ref>{{ Cite web |url=https://www.nyc.gov/site/dcas/about/agency-executive-team.page |title=NYC DCAS - Citywide Administrative Services - About - Who We Are - Executive Team |website=NYC DCAS - Citywide Administrative Services |access-date=December 12, 2025 }}</ref> | birth_place = New York, New York, U.S. | death_date = | preceded = Dawn M. Pinnock | death_place = | spouse = Shannon Molina (2001-present) | children = | office1 = Assistant Deputy Mayor of New York City<br>for Public Safety | term_start1 = December 9, 2023 | term_end1 = June 30, 2024 | succeeded1 = Chauncey Parker | preceded1 = ''position established'' | education = Chaminade University (BA)<br/>Columbia University (MA)<br>Marist College (MPA) | allegiance = {{flag|United States}} | branch = {{flag|United States Marine Corps}} | unit = 2nd Battalion - 3rd Marines | service_years = 1991 - 1995 | 1namedata1 = Eric Adams | image = Louis Molina.jpg | birth_name = Louis Anthony Molina | 1blankname2 = Mayor | 1namedata2 = Eric Adams | term_end = December 31, 2025 | term_start4 = March 2018 | term_end4 = December 12, 2020 | 1blankname4 = County Executive | 1namedata4 = George Latimer | preceded4 = ''position established'' | succeeded4 = Nory Padilla | 1blankname3 = Mayor | 1namedata3 = Carolyn Goodman | term_start3 = January 11, 2021 | term_end3 = December 23, 2021 | 2blankname3 = City Manager | 2namedata3 = Jorge Cervantes | preceded3 = Michele Freeman | succeeded3 = Jason Potts | office = 7th Commissioner of the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services | successor = Yume Kitasei }} '''Louis A. Molina''' (born April 24, 1972) was an American police officer and former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Mayor Adams Appoints Louis Molina as Next Commissioner of Department of Citywide Administrative Serv |url=http://www.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/444-24/mayor-adams-appoints-louis-molina-next-commissioner-department-citywide-administrative |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The official website of the City of New York}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-06-03 |title=Louis Molina appointed commissioner of NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services |url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/louis-molina-to-be-appointed-commissioner-of-nyc-department-of-citywide-administrative-services/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=PIX11 |language=en-US}}</ref> Commissioner Molina formerly served as Assistant Deputy Mayor for Public Safety<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bromwich |first1=Jonah E. |last2=Rashbaum |first2=William K. |last3=Ransom |first3=Jan |date=2023-10-31 |title=New York's Embattled Jails Leader Gets a New Job in City Hall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/31/nyregion/louis-molina-deputy-mayor-safety.html |access-date=2023-12-10 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayor appoints Louis Molina to assistant deputy mayor role |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/public-safety/2023/10/31/mayor-appoints-louis-molina-to-assistant-deputy-mayor-role |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=ny1.com |language=en}}</ref> for the City of New York, and the 37th Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fandos |first1=Nicholas |last2=Bromwich |first2=Jonah E. |date=2021-12-16 |title=In Naming New Jails Chief, Adams Vows to Revive Solitary Confinement |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/16/nyregion/louis-molina-nyc-jails-commissioner.html |access-date=2023-12-10 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-16 |title=Eric Adams names Louis Molina NYC Department of Correction Commissioner |url=https://abc7ny.com/louis-molina-department-of-corrections-eric-adams-keechant-sewell/11347615/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en}}</ref> He was formerly the Chief of the Department of Public Safety for the City of Las Vegas and detective with the New York Police Department.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lungariello |first=Mark |title=Westchester: Louis Molina resigns as deputy correction commissioner |url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/2020/12/16/lou-molina-resigns-westchester-county-jail-correction/3902642001/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=The Journal News |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Early life and education == Molina was born in New York City in 1972 and grew up in Bronx, New York. He attended Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, later graduating from Christopher Columbus High School, graduating in 1991. From there, he served in the United States Marine Corps (1991–1995). He attended Chaminade University of Honolulu, graduating in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. In 2011, Molina graduated from Marist College School of Management with a master's in public administration and while studying at Marist was awarded a partial scholarship to study at Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences graduating in 2012 with a master's of arts in human rights studies, and in 2020 received a partial scholarship from Harvard Business School Fund for Leadership & Innovation and completed the Harvard Business School General Management Program.
== Career == Molina began his career as a patrol officer in Manhattan's Upper East Side neighborhood with the New York City Police Department's 19th Precinct in 2000 after graduation from their training academy. He rose to the rank of detective in the New York Police Department and also served as president of the National Latino Officers Association.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Al |last2=Goldstein |first2=Joseph |date=2011-12-31 |title=Police Tactic: Keeping Crime Reports Off the Books |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/31/nyregion/nypd-leaves-offenses-unrecorded-to-keep-crime-rates-down.html |access-date=2021-12-17 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
=== Kings County District Attorney's Office === The late Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson initially appointed Molina in 2014 as Director of Training for the Office's Detective Investigations Bureau and within a few months was promoted to Deputy Chief Investigator.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parascandola |first=Rocco |title=On the rise: Former cop promoted at Brooklyn DA's office |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/theshack/rise-promoted-brooklyn-da-office-blog-entry-1.1895804 |access-date=2021-10-11 |website=nydailynews.com}}</ref>
=== New York City Department of Homeless Services === In August 2015, Molina was hired by former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Homeless Services as a Senior Advisor for security and emergency operations to address public safety issues in and around the vicinity of homeless shelters. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Steven Banks the Commissioner for the Department of Social Services made the decision to hand over shelter security to the New York City Police Department, despite objections made by Molina. Molina left the Department of Homeless Services.
=== New York City Department of Correction === In August 2016, Molina was appointed as the agency's Chief Internal Monitor in accordance with the Nunez Federal Consent Decree. He later was also appointed and served the dual role of Acting Assistant Commissioner of the Department's Nunez Compliance Unit. After the former commissioner's sudden departure Molina competed for the position of commissioner, but was not selected and left the Department. Molina would later go on to Westchester County Department of Correction and successfully navigate Westchester County DOC release from federal oversight.<ref name="justice.gov">{{Cite web |date=2020-10-15 |title=Acting U.S. Attorney Announces Successful Conclusion Of Agreement With Westchester County Jail To Remedy Constitutional Violations At The Jail |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/acting-us-attorney-announces-successful-conclusion-agreement-westchester-county-jail |access-date=2021-10-11 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}</ref>
=== New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission === In June 2017, Molina was appointed First Deputy Chief Enforcement Division by the former New York City Chair of the Taxi & Limousine Commission.
=== Westchester County Department of Correction === In March 2018, Molina was appointed First Deputy Commissioner for the Westchester County Department of Correction by Westchester County Executive George Latimer, placing Molina second in command of the largest Law Enforcement agency in Westchester County. While at Westchester County DOC Molina is credited with enhancing education program services for detainees to include college courses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Colleen |title=Breaking the school to prison pipeline; Yonkers' MBK grant to fund "model" program in jail |url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/education/2019/05/28/breaking-school-prison-pipeline-jail-yonkers-mbk/3746278002/ |access-date=2021-10-11 |website=The Journal News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Marcius |first=Carla Roman, Chelsia Rose |title=Jailed NY mothers learning parenting and coping skills from therapy dogs |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-mothers-jail-therapy-dogs-westchester-county-new-york-20191129-c6mlctgjbjd7jklifalyt6u3ni-story.html |access-date=2021-10-11 |website=nydailynews.com |date=29 November 2019 }}</ref> He oversaw the integration of Westchester County Department of Social Service staff to streamline delivery of social service support upon discharge. He led the team that obtained 100% compliance with the 2016 United States Department of Justice settlement agreement, attaining substantial compliance on all the agreement provisions.<ref name="justice.gov"/> Westchester County DOC experienced steady declines of Use of Force incidents every year during his tenure with the Department and increased access to justice by working with Legal Aid of Westchester County to open a satellite Legal Aid office inside the jail facility.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Peter |title=Westchester County Department of Corrections Partners With Legal Aid Society on First of Its Kind Legal Service Support Program |url=https://news.hamlethub.com/somers/publicsafety/3336-westchester-county-department-of-corrections-partners-with-legal-aid-society-on-first-of-its-kind-legal-service-support-program |access-date=2021-10-11 |website=www.hamlethub.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> Molina was recognized by the Criminal Justice Section of the New York State Bar Association with the inaugural Martin B. Adelman Memorial Award for his innovative work and his management of Westchester County DOC during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-14 |title=NYSBA Honors Marine Corps Veteran and Former NYPD Officer with Inaugural Martin B. Adelman Award |url=https://nysba.org/nysba-honors-marine-corps-veteran-and-former-nypd-officer-with-inaugural-martin-b-adelman-award/ |access-date=2021-10-11 |website=New York State Bar Association |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== City of Las Vegas Department of Public Safety === In January 2021, Molina was appointed Chief of the City of Las Vegas Department of Public Safety, overseeing Deputy City Marshals, City's jail and Animal Control Officers<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detail |url=https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/News/Blog/Detail/new-chiefs-approved-for-fire-and-public-safety-departments |access-date=2021-10-11 |website=www.lasvegasnevada.gov}}</ref>
=== New York City Department of Correction === On December 16, 2021, Mayor-Elect Eric Adams appointed Molina, the 37th Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction. He became the first Latino commissioner of the New York City Corrections Department.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last1=Fandos |first1=Nicholas |last2=Bromwich |first2=Jonah E. |date=2021-12-16 |title=In Naming New Jails Chief, Adams Vows to Revive Solitary Confinement |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/16/nyregion/louis-molina-nyc-jails-commissioner.html |access-date=2021-12-17 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rayman |first=Chris Sommerfeldt, Graham |title=Mayor-elect Adams introduces Louis Molina as commissioner of NYC's embattled Department of Correction |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-elections-government/ny-nyc-mayor-elect-eric-adams-selects-lewis-molina-to-lead-doc-20211216-ebbyvdbmqfej3b75og2mscrfrm-story.html |access-date=2021-12-17 |website=nydailynews.com |date=16 December 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayor-Elect Adams Names Louis Molina Next Department Of Correction Commissioner – CBS New York |date=16 December 2021 |url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/12/16/adams-correction-commissioner/ |access-date=2021-12-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eric Adams taps Las Vegas Public Safety Chief to lead NYC jails |url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2021/12/eric-adams-taps-las-vegas-public-safety-chief-lead-nyc-jails/359890/ |access-date=2021-12-19 |website=City & State NY |date=16 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Upon his announcement, Adams announced that when taking office he would immediately re-institute solitary confinement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blau |first=Reuven |date=2021-12-16 |title=Adams Vows to Bring Solitary Confinement Back to Rikers Island, Scrapping Reforms |url=https://www.thecity.nyc/2021/12/16/22840330/eric-adams-returns-solitary-confinement-to-rikers-island |access-date=2021-12-17 |website=THE CITY |language=en}}</ref> It was also noted during Adams' announcement that one of the primary reasons for his appointment was emotional intelligence, something that future appointments will be assessed on.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rubinstein |first=Dana |date=2021-12-18 |title=The No. 1 Skill Eric Adams Is Looking For (It's Not on a Résumé) |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/18/nyregion/eric-adams-emotional-intelligence.html |access-date=2021-12-19 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Mr. Molina's tenure as Commissioner was controversial given a Federal Monitor reported Mr. Molina lacked transparency.<ref>{{cite web | title=N.Y.C. Jails Chief is Hiding Dysfunction at Rikers, Federal Monitor Says (Published 2023) | website=The New York Times | date=8 June 2023 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/08/nyregion/rikers-island-jail-report.html }}</ref> At the time of his departure from the agency, a Manhattan federal court judge began considering a federal take over the jails.<ref>{{cite web | title=Jails Commish Molina Transferred to City Hall as Rikers Receivership Looms | date=31 October 2023 | url=https://www.thecity.nyc/2023/10/31/jails-commish-molina-transferred-to-city-hall-as-rikers-receivership-looms/ }}</ref>
On October 31, 2023, Molina was appointed Assistant Deputy Mayor of Public Safety. In that capacity, he will report directly to the Deputy Mayor of Public Safety.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2023 |title=Mayor Adams Appoints Louis Molina as Assistant Deputy Mayor for Public Safety |url=http://www.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/835-23/mayor-adams-appoints-louis-molina-assistant-deputy-mayor-public-safety |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=The official website of the City of New York}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bromwich |first1=Jonah E. |last2=Rashbaum |first2=William K. |last3=Ransom |first3=Jan |date=2023-10-31 |title=New York's Embattled Jails Leader Gets a New Job in City Hall |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/31/nyregion/louis-molina-deputy-mayor-safety.html |access-date=2023-11-06 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-31 |title=New York City Department of Correction Commissioner Louis Molina appointed assistant deputy mayor for Public Safety - CBS New York |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/louis-molina-new-york-city-department-of-correction-public-safety/ |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services === On June 3, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams appointed Molina, the 7th Commissioner of the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Molina had the responsibility of overseeing the agency responsible for managing the city’s recruitment and training, facilities, procurement procedures, municipal vehicle fleet, and initiatives aimed at decreasing carbon emissions from government activities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who We Are - Department of Citywide Administrative Services |url=https://www.nyc.gov/site/dcas/about/who-we-are.page |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=www.nyc.gov}}</ref> He resigned at the end of 2025.
== References == {{reflist}} {{Eric Adams cabinet}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Molina, Louis}} Category:Living people Category:American police officers Category:Marist University alumni Category:Chaminade University of Honolulu alumni Category:Columbia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences alumni Category:Law enforcement officials from New York City Category:Harvard Business School alumni Category:1972 births Category:Commissioners in New York City