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 “Prisons and Prisoners”
Why Is Rikers Island Still Open?
By Gotham Rex on September 26, 2021
A spate of deaths and a mounting culture of violence at New York City’s largest jail renew calls for an emergency solution. Source: New York Times
Members of Congress Urge Biden to Intervene at Rikers as de Blasio Plans Visit
By Gotham Rex on September 24, 2021
In a letter to President Biden on Friday, several Democrats said New York City “cannot be trusted” to manage the jail complex, which has descended into chaos. Source: New York Times
Members of Congress Urge Biden to Intervene at Rikers, as de Blasio Plans Visit
By Gotham Rex on September 24, 2021
In a letter to the president on Friday, several Democrats said New York City “cannot be trusted” to manage the jail, which has descended into chaos. Source: New York Times
After Rikers, Will It Be Enough to Build Better Jails?
By Gotham Rex on September 24, 2021
As New York looks to replace Rikers Island, some say a focus on more humane jail design is largely beside the point. Source: New York Times
Crisis at Rikers and N.Y.C Jails Grows With 12th Death in Custody
By Gotham Rex on September 22, 2021
The man who died was being held at the Vernon C. Bain Center, a floating jail barge docked just north of Rikers Island. 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
Hochul Orders Release of 191 Detainees as Rikers Crisis Deepens
By Gotham Rex on September 17, 2021
The New York governor signed a bill on Friday that authorized the release of the detainees, but the population of the city’s notorious jail will remain far higher than it was last spring. 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
Justice Dept. to Close N.Y.C. Jail Where Jeffrey Epstein Died
By Gotham Rex on August 26, 2021
The 233 people being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center will be moved, at least temporarily, while officials address conditions there. Source: New York Times
Correction Officers Sue New York City Over Dangerous Jail Conditions
By Gotham Rex on July 16, 2021
The lawsuit comes as the city’s new correction chief acknowledged “severe” problems and promised to make changes. Source: New York Times
New York City Jails Resume In-Person Visits
By Gotham Rex on June 25, 2021
In-person visits will be available three days a week and coronavirus protocols will be in place. 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
Herb Sturz, a Quiet Force in the Life of New York City, Dies at 90
By Gotham Rex on June 11, 2021
His agenda and reach, in government and out, extended from criminal justice to urban planning, though his constituency — prisoners, the homeless, the elderly and more — hardly knew his name. Source: New York Times