NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday begged for a chance to end the deaths, abuse and poor living conditions that have plagued Rikers Island and other city prisons a day after prosecutors threatened to subordinate the city Department of Correction to an independent body if it does not improve conditions.
“All I say is give me a chance, give me a chance. Give me a chance,” said Adams, who is four months into his term. “We have witnessed how others have failed, now give me a chance. Let’s work together.”
A court ordered report on Rikers Island was released in mid-March and found abuse by guards went unchecked, over 1,400 staff are listed as out sick on any given day and record keeping is in disarray.
Sixteen inmates died at Rikers Island in 2021, and three more have died so far in 2022.
On Tuesday, a federal prosecutor issued a letter to New York Southern District Judge Laura Taylor Swain on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice that recommended appointing an oversight body that could implement sweeping changes to the city’s prisons if the Department of Correction fails to do so of its own accord immediately.
“The jails are in a state of crisis, inmates and staff are being seriously injured, and action is desperately needed now,” wrote the U.S. attorney.
“Based on our experience over the last six years and the sustained noncompliance with key Consent Judgment provisions and the three subsequent Remedial Orders entered by this Court, our Office is very concerned about whether the Department and City have the ability, expertise, and will to swiftly make the changes necessary to bring true reform to this deeply troubled agency,” the attorney continued.
The mayor's office issued a statement on Thursday defending Adams' handling of the crisis at Rikers.
“This administration took control of Rikers Island amidst historic challenges, including deliberate disinvestment in the jail complex, an ongoing COVID-19 crisis, and huge staffing challenges," said Adams. "Since [Department of Correction] Commissioner [Louis] Molina assumed office, in conjunction with the federal monitor, we’ve seen reductions in use of force and assaults on staff, increased searches for weapons and contraband, and sick leave that has dropped to levels not seen since before last summer’s horrendous shortages."
Related
Related
