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Rikers Island is a large, infamous correctional complex located on an island in the East River of New York City, between the Bronx and Queens. It is New York City's main jail complex, not a state prison, meaning it primarily holds individuals who are awaiting trial or serving sentences of one year or less.

History
The island is named after Abraham Rycken, a Dutch settler who acquired it in the 17th century. The City of New York purchased the island in 1884. Originally, it was a much smaller island that was expanded significantly through the use of landfill, including garbage from the city. The first jail facility opened in 1932, and over the decades, it grew into a massive complex with multiple jails.

Conditions and Controversies
Rikers Island is widely known for its long-standing and severe problems, which have led to a persistent human rights crisis. These issues have been the subject of numerous lawsuits, federal oversight, and calls for its closure.

*Violence and Abuse:* A "culture of abuse" has been a consistent issue, with frequent violence among incarcerated people and a high rate of excessive force by correction officers.
*Medical and Mental Health Neglect:* The facility has been described as a de facto psychiatric institution, with a large percentage of its population having mental health diagnoses. However, it is poorly equipped to provide adequate care, leading to a high rate of self-harm and suicides. A significant number of deaths have been attributed to medical neglect, where detainees with serious conditions have not received timely or proper treatment.
*Deplorable Living Conditions:* The infrastructure is crumbling, with reports of unsanitary conditions, including infestations of rodents and insects, lack of clean water and functioning toilets, and a lack of basic necessities like clean clothes. The buildings themselves, built on decomposing landfill, have structural problems and can expose people to environmental hazards.
*Overcrowding and Mismanagement:* Overcrowding has been a chronic issue, leading to dangerous conditions and a breakdown of services. Chronic understaffing, a high number of sick calls, and mismanagement have exacerbated the problems, creating an environment of chaos and neglect.
*Deaths in Custody:* The number of deaths in custody at Rikers Island has been a persistent and alarming issue. These deaths are often linked to the systemic failures mentioned above, including violence, suicide, and medical neglect. The high death toll has led to intense public scrutiny and calls for a federal takeover of the facility.

The Movement to Close Rikers
Due to its history of violence, abuse, and dysfunction, there has been a significant movement to close Rikers Island. In 2019, the New York City Council voted to close the complex by 2027 and replace it with smaller, borough-based jails. This plan aims to improve conditions, allow detainees to be closer to their families and legal support, and ultimately reduce the city's jail population. However, the timeline for closure has faced challenges and delays. The ongoing crisis and the continued deaths at the facility have led many to call for an accelerated closure or for a federal receiver to take over the management of the jail in the interim.