New York City won't close Rikers by 2027 deadline

The City Council's goal to close Rikers Island by August 2027 is unlikely to be achieved. A report from the Independent Rikers Commission confirms that this deadline is no longer realistic. The jail complex is known for violence and poor conditions, which many argue is unconstitutional. Plans to open four new jails in the boroughs are behind schedule. The first, expected in Brooklyn, won’t be finished until 2029. The current jail population is nearly 7,000, which exceeds the expected capacity of these new facilities. This situation raises concerns about the city's ability to meet its own laws and deadlines. To move forward, the mayor and City Council need to agree on a new deadline that is achievable. They must also outline specific steps to reach this goal. Both the Council and city officials share responsibility for the delays. The population of jailed individuals has not declined as hoped, which complicates matters. Rikers has serious safety and management issues. Its location makes it hard for families and lawyers to access, and the facility has significant safety flaws. Simply moving detainees to new locations won’t resolve the ongoing management problems. Any future jails should be run by different leadership than that at Rikers. Many current officials have been tied to a culture of negligence within the Department of Correction. There's hope that a federal judge will appoint an independent receiver to oversee improvements. Only then can we work towards a more humane correctional system.