On October 26, 2022, our Commission co-hosted a symposium entitled Halfway to History: Progress and Challenges in Closing Rikers Island, together with the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and the Data Collaborative for Justice at John Jay. Attended by 500 people, the symposium marked the five year mid-point in the plan to close Rikers. It featured three panels, moderated by Errol Louis, Dean Meminger, and David Brand, with elected leaders, government officials, corrections experts, criminal justice advocates, and community members.
Panel 1 : Reducing the Jail Population, Building Neighborhoods and Improving Public Safety
Panel 2 : Design of New Facilities and Civic Considerations
Panel 3 : Culture Change and Transforming Corrections in NYC
Rikers Island epitomizes the racial and economic disparities in our criminal justice system. Nearly 90% of people held in City jails are Black or Latinx, and over half have a mental illness. 90% of people are awaiting trial, many held because they can’t afford bail.
Thanks to grassroots campaigns like #CLOSErikers, and our blueprint for transforming New York City’s justice system, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to permanently close the Rikers jails, invest in communities, and make the justice system fair for all. Watch the full video to learn how we can close Rikers and create a more just New York City.
