Mental illness and missed medical appointments: Board of Correction issues report on Rikers deaths during second half of last year

Mental illness and missed medical appointments: Board of Correction issues report on Rikers deaths during second half of last year

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.

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Attorney general, NYCBA and public defenders call for Rikers receiver

Attorney general, NYCBA and public defenders call for Rikers receiver

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. 

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Local public defenders wary of new Rikers dyslexia screening bill

Local public defenders wary of new Rikers dyslexia screening bill

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. 

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Rikers receivership proceedings begin

Rikers receivership proceedings begin

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. 

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Amid lawsuit, DOC brings on atty to oversee Rikers health services

Amid lawsuit, DOC brings on atty to oversee Rikers health services

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.

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