FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept 23, 2021
CONTACT: Press Office
MAYOR DE BLASIO, DOC COMMISSIONER SCHIRALDI UNVEIL
ADDITIONAL JAIL SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES
New series of reforms aim to improve staffing issues, improve intake conditions at Rikers Island
East Elmhurst, NY – Mayor de Blasio and Department of Correction Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi announced an additional round of initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and increasing safety in the City’s jails on Tuesday. These initiatives continue the City’s ongoing efforts to address the wave of challenging issues and conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The new efforts send a clear message: NYC is doing everything it can to make the City’s jails as safe and humane as possible, a process that will take time and work,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Among the new initiatives are greater accountability measures for correction officers who refuse to show up for shifts that force their colleagues to work double and triple overtime, as well as the opening of new physical intake processes that will ensure detainees are more quickly and safely entering City facilities.
The full plan builds on initial efforts set forth by DOC Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi in August.
“All of these initiatives involve hard work, coordination, and partnering with City and jail workers who have already been fighting valiantly during pandemic conditions for 18 months. I want to thank the mayor for the vital help he and his team have provided. We cannot and will not rest until this crisis is over,” said DOC Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi.
The new measures include:
Improving Staff Levels
Improving Conditions
Increasing Speed and Safety During Intake
The new measures build on the Rikers emergency relief plan announced by Mayor de Blasio in September.