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Rikers Island Officials Found Guilty of Excessive Force
A shocking investigation has uncovered a pattern of excessive force and violence against adolescent inmates on Rikers Island, sparking outrage and calls for reform. According to a report by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, New York City Department of Correction (DOC) staff have repeatedly used unnecessary and excessive force against adolescents, resulting in physical harm and trauma.
Between 2011 and 2013, a staggering 517 staff use of force incidents were reported in the Robert N. Davoren Center (RNDC) and Eric M. Taylor Center (EMTC), which house the largest population of adolescents on Rikers Island. This works out to an average of over one incident per day, with many of these incidents resulting in serious injuries.
The investigation, led by Attorney General Eric Holder and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, found that DOC staff often resort to physical force as a means of control and punishment, rather than a last resort. This culture of violence is said to be ‘pervasive throughout the adolescent facilities at Rikers,’ with staff routinely using force to discipline and subdue adolescents.
Adding to the concerns, the investigation also revealed that punitive segregation is used excessively, with adolescent inmates being placed in solitary confinement for extended periods of time. Many of these inmates are particularly vulnerable, suffering from mental illness and other health issues that make them more susceptible to the devastating effects of prolonged isolation.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara was scathing in his criticism of the DOC’s handling of adolescent inmates, stating that Rikers Island is a ‘broken institution’ where ‘brute force is the first impulse rather than the last resort.’ He called for immediate attention to be paid to the rights, safety, and mental well-being of the young men in question.
The report’s findings are a stark reminder of the need for reform in our nation’s correctional facilities. As Attorney General Eric Holder noted, ‘incarceration should be used to deter, punish, and ultimately rehabilitate, not merely to warehouse and forget.’ The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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