New York City Council votes to ban most instances of solitary confinement
Mayor Eric Adams may yet veto it, but if the bill becomes law, it will ban most uses of solitary confinement beyond four hours in New York City jails.
Rikers Island
The Q100 bus to Rikers can be a lifeline for families with loved ones inside the jail
The city bus is one of the only ways in or out of New York's Rikers Island jail. Conditions there have been declared a crisis. Detainees say the only way to check on their loved ones is in person.
'You Just Get Written Off': One Inmate On Life On Rikers During The Pandemic
Rikers Island jail in New York City is currently in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak. Inmate Daryl Campbell is currently under quarantine and shares his experience.
City Council Votes To Close New York's Notorious Rikers Island Jail Complex
The city expects to reduce its jail population by more than half by 2026 and plans to relocate prisoners in four smaller jails spread across the city.
Former Physician At Rikers Island Exposes Health Risks Of Incarceration
Dr. Homer Venters describes a number of traumatic outcomes related to subpar medical care inside the New York City jail complex, including the death of a man who was denied insulin during intake.
New York City Reaches $3.3 Million Settlement With Kalief Browder's Family
Browder endured nearly three years on Rikers, much of it in solitary confinement, awaiting a trial that never happened. His death by suicide in 2015 led to nationwide criminal justice reform.
New York City Officials Reach Deal On Shuttering Rikers Island
Now, Mayor Bill de Blasio can move forward with a 10-year plan to close the jail complex and create a borough-based prison system. State officials may seek to close it sooner.
Rikers Settles Class Action Solitary Confinement Case
More than 450 plaintiffs are approved to receive compensation for time they spent in solitary confinement at Rikers Island under the "old time" policy.
Despite Scrutiny, Rikers Island's 'Culture Of Violence' Persists, Report Says
This latest report has fueled the debate on closing the jail facilities on the island.
Why Young People of Color Are Central To 'Raising The Age' Debates
The politics of raising the age in New York State are complicated: both liberals and conservatives broadly support raising the age in principle, but question the governor's proposal.