NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio made his anticipated visit to Rikers Island Monday as outrage grows over conditions at the troubled jail complex.
Other politicians who toured Rikers recently described themselves as “shocked” and “appalled.” A few called for the jail to be closed entirely.
But de Blasio was more measured Monday evening.
“What I saw is work that needs to be done,” said de Blasio.
De Blasio emphasized the changes that are underway, including speeding up the intake process and getting correction officers to show up to work.
“The ones who are not showing up are being suspended, and that message has been made very clear now, and we are seeing more and more works who hadn’t come to work, now show up,” said de Blasio.
De Blasio said he did not talk to any inmates or correction officers. Reporters were not allowed on the tour.
Benny Boscio, head of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, said what areas de Blasio did see were cleaned up just before the mayor’s arrival.
“It took him four years to get here, and this is a disgrace,” said Boscio. “Because they gave him a watered down, sugar-coated tour.”
Twelve people have died in city custody so far this year, with the latest happening at Rikers just five days ago.
The Department of Correction confirmed Monday that an officer was attacked late last week, with the union saying it was a murder suspect who ended up breaking the man’s jaw.
Related
