Borough-based jail costs double to $16 billion, mayor claims
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The cost of replacing the crumbling jail complex on Rikers Island by building borough-based jails across the city has continued to balloon over the past year.
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Officers, jail workers and detainee cuffed in Rikers smuggling scheme
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Three former correctional officers, a Rikers Island program counselor, a jails contractor and a detainee were all charged this week in federal court for scheming to smuggle drugs and other contraband into the city’s notorious jail complex.
Read MoreMental illness and missed medical appointments: Board of Correction issues report on Rikers deaths during second half of last year
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Nearly all of the four men who died on Rikers Island in the second half of last year entered the troubled jail complex with mental health and addiction issues, and failed to receive regular medical care or adequate supervision from the Department of Correction, a new report from the Board of Correction found.
Read MoreAttorney general, NYCBA and public defenders call for Rikers receiver
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The New York State attorney general, a top bar association, scores of public defense organizations, several former New York City officials and a criminal justice nonprofit all called on a federal judge to strip control over Rikers Island away from the city and hand it over to a court-appointed receiver.
Read MoreJudge to DOC: Who is in charge?
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Who is in charge of the city’s troubled Department of Correction? The judge considering whether or not the city is capable of running Rikers Island wants to know.
Read MoreLocal public defenders wary of new Rikers dyslexia screening bill
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A new bill that would require dyslexia screening of certain detainees in the city’s jails signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams last week is facing pushback from some local public defenders who are wary about the agency being given new responsibilities.
Read MoreCommission to create new plan to close Rikers
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In August, Mayor Eric Adams called for a new proposal to close Rikers Island while reiterating his opposition to the current plan. It seems less than two months later he has got his wish.
Read MoreCouncil passes bill in hopes more detainees are brought to court on time
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The City Council last week passed legislation they say will not only ensure detainees get to their court appearances on time, but will also help the city reach its legally-mandated deadline to close Rikers Island by the summer of 2027.
Read MoreOversight board urges city to ‘recommit’ to Rikers closure plan
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The watchdog group charged with keeping tabs on New York City’s jails says that the city needs to “recommit” to its plan to shutter Rikers Island, which has seen its average daily population grow by nearly 1,000 detainees in the past two years.
Read MoreRikers receivership proceedings begin
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The city came closer than it has ever been to having its control over Rikers Island stripped away on Thursday after a federal judge said that she’d consider installing a federal receiver in the coming months.
Read MoreRikers monitor says city should be held in contempt
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The Department of Correction should be held in contempt of court for its inability to keep the people who are held and who work at Rikers Island safe, the court-appointed federal monitor said in a damning report released Monday.
Read MoreAmid lawsuit, DOC brings on atty to oversee Rikers health services
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The Department of Correction named a new official to help lead its health programming – an appointment that comes as the agency continues to face allegations that it has failed to provide medical treatment to detainees on Rikers Island.
Read MoreQueens leaders lean on DA to stop bail amid Rikers crisis
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“While there are other contributing forces to this shameful situation…there is no doubt that the driving cause behind it remains the decision of your offices to seek bail recklessly and in virtually every eligible case.”
Read MoreOPINION: No one belongs on Rikers Island. Ever
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The punishment mindset has not worked, and it is beyond time for a new approach.
Read MoreJail oversight commissioner urges large-scale Rikers release — already a city goal
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“COVID-19 is spreading rapidly at Rikers Island and other local jails, endangering our clients, correction staff and all of New York City.”
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