After decades, New York City (NYC) has taken action on the city’s primary jail on Rikers Island, which is located in the East River. Recently, City Council members approved plans to terminate the island jail. In addition, they have decided that opening facilities would be a better use for the island.  

For years, Rikers provided less than ample protection for inmates. Violent inmates and excessive force from staff left the jail in a state of chaos. As a result, City Council members have reached a consensus that the best solution is to shut the place down. The vision for the revamped island includes new buildings and small towns.

Among the few to voice opposition to the plan is Council Member Robert Holden, a Democrat from Queens, who has pointed out, “The closing of Rikers has become a religious movement, a criminal justice reform that will not actually solve the criminal justice system’s problems.”

“Skyscraper jails” were Holden’s alternative to the repurposing of Rikers; however, in the event of a crime spike, the jail system could become congested. Others disagreed with this plan and thought that it would not remedy the failings of Rikers Island. Holden also suggested, “If the council votes in favor of this plan today, it will be a vote against the best interests of constituents who elected us.” 

He continues to state how compact jails would work more efficiently, adding that, “It will also be against the best interests of detainees and corrections officers who will continue to endure the same situations in even more confined vertical spaces.”   

Councilmember Alicka Ampry-Samuel protested, “We as a body, for a plan of this magnitude, addressing a system of racism and mass incarceration—this process has been inappropriately rushed.” 

Ampry-Samuel noted that the cost of incarcerating the city’s criminals is expensive. Moreover, she concludes in another statement that her concerns are the conditions of Rikers Island. This has caused many protesters and councilmembers to speak out about this issue. 

Known for its poor conditions and violence, the plan to shut down Rikers Island’s jail is the next stage of improving the island. “The era of mass incarceration is over. It’s over,” stated Bill de Blasio, NYC’s mayor. “This is about valuing our people, no longer condemning people and sending them on a pathway that only made their lives worse and worse.” 

De Blasio approximates that Rikers Island’s imprisoned population will decline to 3,300 by 2026.

Photo courtesy of CURBED.COM