Esias Johnson had been in and out of Rikers Island during his two years in New York. Now two correction officers have been suspended in connection with his death. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Prison Guards and Corrections Officers”
Latest Death at Rikers: Isaabdul Karim, Who Almost Qualified for Release
By Gotham Rex on September 21, 2021
Isaabdul Karim was being held on a parole violation when he died on Sunday, becoming the 11th person incarcerated at the jail to die this year. Source: New York Times
N.Y.C. Lawsuit Claims Rikers Crisis Was Worsened by Illegal Strike
By Gotham Rex on September 20, 2021
The lawsuit said that there was no plausible explanation for a “staggering” number of absences by correction officers this year other than a concerted and illegal job slowdown. Source: New York Times
Here's Why Rikers Island Is in Crisis
By Gotham Rex on September 15, 2021
A number of recent deaths have prompted questions about the notorious New York City jail complex. Here are some answers. Source: New York Times
With Rikers in Crisis, Critics Wonder: Where Is Bill de Blasio?
By Gotham Rex on September 14, 2021
The mayor is facing growing calls to address chaotic and violent conditions inside New York City’s vast jail complex. Source: New York Times
An ‘Absolute Emergency’ at Rikers Island as Violence Increases
By Gotham Rex on August 24, 2021
A federal monitor said that staff shortages had led to a sharp deterioration in conditions at the jail complex over the summer. Source: New York Times
‘Disorder and Chaos’ in N.Y.C. Jails as Pandemic Recedes
By Gotham Rex on June 19, 2021
Six incarcerated people have died, a man accused of murder was accidentally released and a captain was charged with criminally negligent homicide, while the future of Rikers Island remains unclear. Source: New York Times
When Guards in New York City’s Jails Lie About Use of Force
By Gotham Rex on April 26, 2021
An analysis of a newly released database of disciplinary records shows that violence by officers continues to be a problem in the system. Source: New York Times
In NYC Jail System, Guards Often Lie About Excessive Force
By Gotham Rex on April 25, 2021
More than half of the roughly 270 correction officers disciplined over a 20-month period lied to investigators or filed incomplete or inaccurate reports. Source: New York Times
New York Will End Long-Term Solitary Confinement in Prisons and Jails
By Gotham Rex on April 1, 2021
Isolation for more than 15 consecutive days will be barred in prisons and jails starting next March after years of efforts to restrict the practice. Source: New York Times
2 Supervisors and Guard Charged in Attacks at Notorious Women’s Prison
By Gotham Rex on February 4, 2021
The assaults left at least six inmates with injuries. One guard at the New Jersey prison is accused of punching a woman 28 times. Source: New York Times
31 Guards Suspended at a Women’s Prison Plagued by Sexual Violence
By Gotham Rex on January 28, 2021
Inmates reported being beaten while handcuffed at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in New Jersey, the state’s only prison for women. Source: New York Times
As N.Y.C. Jails Become More Violent, Solitary Confinement Persists
By Gotham Rex on October 12, 2020
Even as Mayor Bill de Blasio has emptied out the city’s jails, the number of people who are placed in punitive segregation each year has remained about the same. Source: New York Times
N.Y.C. to Pay $5.9 Million in Death of Layleen Polanco at Rikers
By Gotham Rex on August 31, 2020
Layleen Polanco had a fatal epileptic seizure while in isolation, an investigation found, spurring calls to end solitary confinement and close the jail complex. Source: New York Times
Violence at Rikers at an ‘All-Time High’ Despite City’s Promise to Curb It
By Gotham Rex on August 6, 2020
A federal monitor found that the number of times guards at the jail complex used force against inmates rose 54 percent, even as its population shrank. Source: New York Times