CLOSING RIKERS & CREATING A SAFER, MORE JUST NEW YORK CITY

New York City is on the historic path toward permanently closing the decrepit, dangerous, dysfunctional jail complex on Rikers Island — jails that undermine public safety and the safety of everyone who works and is incarcerated in them every day that they remain open.

Re-appointed by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams in October 2023, with the full support of Mayor Eric Adams, the Independent Rikers Commission 2.0 will lay out a refreshed blueprint of proven policies to help ensure Rikers closes, in the context of the changed realities of a post-COVID New York City and the law mandating closure by August 31, 2027. The Commission will work with community, criminal justice system, and government stakeholders to develop these enhanced plans and to facilitate their implementation.

LATEST OP-ED

LATEST REPORT

Breaking cycles of violence at Rikers Island

“By improving the medical and mental health care available to the most disadvantaged and at-risk individuals, perhaps the cycle of recidivism can be interrupted, resulting in healthier and safer communities for all. This goal is a tall task requiring a multi-disciplinary commitment, but it can start with closing Rikers and transitioning to a borough-based system as soon as possible.” Read More →

New York City Crime Survivors Speak: A Citywide Survey of Victims’ Views on Safety and Justice

“Large majorities of crime victims indicate that they have been poorly served by the criminal justice system and favor approaches beyond incarceration and punishment. Many have avoided reporting crime for fear that nothing would come from their report — or, worse, that going to the police would further jeopardize their safety. …

New Yorkers who are victims also prefer less incarceration, and more investments in prevention and rehabilitation. Victims want to move people with mental illness into secure treatment facilities instead of jails, speed up trials, and house those who cannot safely be released in smaller jails near courthouses — key components of the plan to close the jails on Rikers Island.” Read More →

 

Incarceration must not only be used sparingly, but also humanely, with a focus on preparing people to re-enter society.

Hon. Jonathan Lippman, Chair, Independent Rikers Commission