Commission suggests dedicated officials for Rikers closure effort

A report from a commission highlights the urgent need to close the Rikers Island jail complex in New York City. The commission was appointed by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. It described Rikers as “decrepit, dysfunctional, and violent,” emphasizing the unsafe environment for both inmates and staff. The report recommends appointing two senior officials dedicated solely to the closure of Rikers. One would work in City Hall, while the other would be part of the Department of Correction. This focused effort aims to ensure that the city meets its 2027 deadline for closing the facility, a goal established by law in 2019. The report follows a tragic incident where a 20-year-old inmate died in his cell at Rikers. The man was being held on robbery charges. This adds to concerns about the safety of individuals in the jail, which has been criticized for its high costs and conditions. The commission suggests replacing Rikers with four smaller, borough-based jails that would provide a more humane environment for inmates. These new facilities would be located closer to lawyers and families of detainees. Closing Rikers could also save the city an estimated $2.2 billion each year in operational costs.