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Rikers Island is notorious for its extremely dangerous, decrepit, and inhumane conditions. Numerous reports from federal monitors, the Department of Justice, and human rights organizations have detailed a persistent culture of violence, neglect, and a severe staffing crisis that has endangered both those incarcerated and correction officers. Many of the issues have persisted for decades despite attempts at reform.
Key problems highlighted in recent years include:
Rampant violence: Federal monitors have consistently reported "extraordinarily high" rates of stabbings, slashings, and assaults among incarcerated people, as well as assaults on staff. The violence is fueled by gang conflicts and a lack of control within the facility. Correction officers have also been documented using excessive and unnecessary force, sometimes retaliating against individuals and targeting vulnerable populations, such as adolescents.
Gross neglect and mismanagement: The jail complex has been plagued by a chronic staffing crisis for several years. High rates of correction officer absenteeism have led to a breakdown of basic operations, including a lack of supervision, missed court dates, and a failure to provide essential services.
Squalid and unsanitary facilities: Inspections have revealed disgusting conditions in holding cells and housing units. Reports describe trash, rotten food, maggots, urine, and feces on the floors. Facilities are infested with roaches, flies, and rodents. Deficient plumbing leads to overflowing toilets, and crumbling infrastructure, including peeling paint and broken locks, is widespread.
Inadequate medical care: The staffing crisis and systemic dysfunction have led to thousands of missed medical appointments and delayed treatment for incarcerated people. Chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and life-threatening medical emergencies have been neglected, contributing to numerous in-custody deaths.
Staff corruption: Department of Investigation reports and federal charges have revealed corruption among correction officers. This includes fraud schemes and officers taking bribes to smuggle contraband like drugs, cell phones, and weapons into the facilities.
High death toll: In recent years, deaths in New York City's jail system, most of which occur at Rikers, have surged. Causes include homicide, suicide, and neglected medical conditions. Some individuals have died after being found unresponsive in their cells, following hours of neglect by staff.
Response to the crisis
For years, the federal government and advocates have demanded a federal takeover of the city's jail system to address the crisis.
Federal receivership: In 2024, a federal judge found New York City in contempt of court for failing to fix conditions at Rikers and indicated a willingness to appoint a federal receiver to assume control of the jail complex. In May 2025, the judge officially ordered that a "remediation manager," or receiver, be appointed to take over control.
Plan to close Rikers: In 2019, New York City passed a plan to close Rikers Island by 2027 and replace it with smaller, borough-based jails. However, the plan is severely behind schedule. Officials have acknowledged that none of the new jails will be finished by the deadline, potentially delaying the closure for years.