NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — More than 200 women and transgender inmates detained at Rikers Island will be transferred from the jail complex, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday.
The news came as the jail complex continues to face widespread criticism and lawsuits from inmates, New York City officials and advocates calling for its closure.
“The situation on Rikers Island is grave and complex, and thus requires bold action from all levels of government to deliver change,” Hochul said. “I am especially heartened that the state is able to assist some of the most vulnerable populations on Rikers, and today, I am proud to announce the state's agreement with the city to temporarily move the majority of these populations off Rikers and into safer state facilities, and I thank the city for its partnership on this important step.”
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A total of 230 people will be transferred off Rikers Island to two state-run facilities in Westchester County: the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility and the Taconic Correctional Facility.
The decision builds off the Less is More Act, signed by Gov. Hochul in early September, which helped release nearly 200 inmates from Rikers Island who were being held for technical, non-criminal parole violation.
The transfers will occur twice per week beginning Oct. 18, starting with 10 to 20 individuals being moved during each time. No current detainees with any pending immigration-related matters will be transferred, according to Hochul’s office.
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“New York City is committed to forging a fairer, more humane justice system,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Our reform efforts on Rikers Island have made encouraging progress, and our borough-based jails plans are moving forward and will fully transform this system - but there is no substitute for immediate support from our state partners at this critical moment in time.”
As part of the transfers off Rikers Island, the Department of Corrections will provide daily transportation from New York City to the facilities for family members and loved ones of detainees, beginning Friday, Oct. 22.
There will be a pick-up location in The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn twice a day. The DOC will announce additional details on its website regarding exact locations and times in the coming week.