This chapter explores the dilemma faced by officials in dealing with Rikers Island, New York City's notorious jail. It discusses the options of shutting down the jail or building more facilities, while addressing the high percentage of mentally ill inmates and the need for comprehensive reforms in the incarceration system.
Today a federal judge hears arguments on whether New York City Mayor Eric Adams should be stripped of control of the jails on Rikers Island. Gothamist’s Matt Katz explains.
This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette with help from Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman with help from Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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