Rikers has been known for more than just housing bids by Lil’ Wayne and Bobby Shmurda, it’s also known for its brutal conditions and reputation as “one of the most dysfunctional jails in America.” A little less so now, as NYC Ends Solitary Confinement of Young Adults and in a swift move surprisingly becomes a leader in prison reform for the entire country.
NYC Ends Solitary Confinement of Young Adults in an announcement stating that persons under 21 years of age will no longer be held in solitary at Rikers Island. This makes Rikers the first prison of it’s kind to do so nation-wide, and it doesn’t stop there.
“No one—regardless of age—will be allowed to suffer in solitary for more than 30 consecutive days, and a separate housing unit will be established for those inmates most prone to violence.”
Score one for progress. NYC Ends Solitary Confinement of Young Adults brings light to an element of society often going ignored if not forgotten. The Rikers complex has grown a reputation for ritualized beatings, murders, and horrible treatment of mentally ill inmates–so much so that the federal government is suing over civil rights abuses. As criminal justice experiences signs of reform looks like New York wants to be at the forefront of change (and avoid a federal lawsuit).
The Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union Donna Lieberman had this to say:
“With these reforms, New York City has taken an important stand for basic human rights and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of prisoners, prison staff and our communities. An institution as profoundly broken as Rikers Island will require wholesale reform to transform into a humane environment that emphasizes treatment and rehabilitation over punishment and isolation, and these rules are a major step forward.”
The vote came in 7-0 by the Board of Correction for NYC Ends Solitary Confinement of Young Adults. Scientific data prior to the announcement cited noted psychological damage in that solitary confinement “severely traumatizes adults under the legal drinking age.” The changes will go into affect in January 2016.
