After The Department Of Health conducted a study within the Riker’s Island correctional facility reports are alleging that 129 inmates have suffered beatings at the hand of officers and 77 of them are mentally ill.
Adriela Batista
The New York Times has teamed up with the Department of Health to conduct a four month long study on the conditions of inmates within Rikers Island. During the 11 month study, The department of Health Services found of the beatings and several altercations officials were never charged for their actions.
Former Director of Mental Health Services within the facility Daniel Seiling, stated; “There’s lots of brutality, Horrible brutality.”
Investigations began after two cases of inmates were exposed, including the death of an inmate who burned to death after being in a cell that was 101 degrees. The mentally ill make up about 40% of the Rikers inmate population.
