Advocating for a better criminal justice system

The Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform provides policymakers with roadmaps of proven, evidence-based strategies to close the dysfunctional, dangerous jail complex on Rikers Island, safely and significantly reduce the number of people in jail, and shift to a modern system of smaller facilities located near the borough criminal courts — all while increasing public safety. 

CLOSING RIKERS & creating a more just New York City

New York City is on the historic path toward permanently closing the Rikers jails and creating a much smaller detention system of more humane, program-rich facilities focused on rehabilitation and re-entry. Watch the video to learn how we will close Rikers and create a more just New York City.

LATEST REPORT

HALFWAY TO HISTORY: FIVE-YEAR STATUS REPORT ON THE PATH TO CLOSING RIKERS

“New York City is on track to experience a watershed moment by August 2027: the permanent closure of the decrepit, dangerous, irredeemable Rikers Island jails. This will be a major victory for crime victims, jail staff, incarcerated people, and our city as a whole.

Closing Rikers and replacing it with a more efficient and effective system of secure hospital beds and borough-based jails is not only doable – even with the rise in crime during the pandemic – it is essential to safety and justice.” Read More →

LATEST OP-ED

Gutting essential services will endanger lives further on Rikers

“Rikers Island remains in a state of crisis. Recent reports from a federal monitor have raised deeply worrying concerns about New York City’s ability to protect incarcerated people and jail staff. Unfortunately, looming cuts to re-entry and therapeutic programs in the jails threaten to further destabilize the profoundly troubled jails.” Read More →