Does Building Better Jails Go Far Enough?

As New York looks to replace Rikers Island, some say a focus on more humane jail design is largely beside the point.

‘The Whole Thing Upsets Me’: Mayor Finally Visits Rikers

As Mayor Bill de Blasio visited the jail for the first time in four years, federal officials signaled a lack of faith in the city’s ability to manage the troubled complex.

‘I Just Want to Be Normal’: A Mentally Ill Man’s Death at Rikers

Esias Johnson had been in and out of Rikers Island during his two years in New York. A captain and two correction officers have been suspended in connection with his death.

Members of Congress Urge Biden to Intervene at Rikers as de Blasio Plans Visit

In a letter to President Biden on Friday, several Democrats said New York City “cannot be trusted” to manage the jail complex, which has descended into chaos.

Why Is Rikers Island Still Open?

A spate of deaths and a mounting culture of violence at New York City’s largest jail renew calls for an emergency solution.

Why Is Rikers Island Still Open?

A spate of deaths and a mounting culture of violence at New York City’s largest jail renew calls for an emergency solution.

12th Death in Custody This Year Signals Growing Crisis in N.Y.C. Jails

The man who died was being held at the Vernon C. Bain Center, a floating jail barge docked just north of Rikers Island.

He Nearly Qualified for Release From Rikers. Instead, He Died There.

Isaabdul Karim was being held on a parole violation when he died on Sunday, becoming the 11th person incarcerated at the jail to die this year.

He Nearly Qualified for Release From Rikers. Instead, He Died There.

Isaabdul Karim was being held on a parole violation when he died on Sunday, becoming the 11th person incarcerated at the jail to die this year.

N.Y.C. Sues Jail Officers, Saying Illegal Strike Worsened Rikers Crisis

The lawsuit said that there was no plausible explanation for a “staggering” number of absences by correction officers this year other than a concerted and illegal job slowdown.

Hochul Orders Release of 191 Detainees as Rikers Crisis Deepens

The New York governor signed a bill on Friday that authorized the release of the detainees, but the population of the city’s notorious jail will remain far higher than it was last spring.

Opinion | The Endless Catastrophe of Rikers Island

The mayor promised to close the jail years ago, but the situation there is as desperate as it’s ever been.

10 Deaths, Exhausted Guards, Rampant Violence: Why Rikers Is in Crisis

A number of recent deaths have prompted questions about the notorious New York City jail complex. Here are some answers.

With Rikers in Crisis, Critics Wonder: Where Is Bill de Blasio?

The mayor is facing growing calls to address chaotic and violent conditions inside New York City’s vast jail complex.

Why Some People in Chinatown Oppose a Museum Dedicated to Their Culture

In Manhattan’s Chinatown, anti-gentrification protesters are furious over funding granted to a museum that they say doesn’t represent their community.

‘Disorder and Chaos’ in N.Y.C. Jails as Pandemic Recedes

Six incarcerated people have died, a man accused of murder was accidentally released and a captain was charged with criminally negligent homicide, while the future of Rikers Island remains unclear.

Guards Smuggled Drugs and Razors Into N.Y.C. Jails, Prosecutors Say

The correction officers are accused of taking thousands of dollars in bribes to sneak contraband into the city’s jails.