On Point | Podcast The federal takeover of Rikers Island
Jun 3, 2025
Hernandez Stroud, a Senior Fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, sheds light on the crisis at Rikers Island. He discusses the federal takeover of the facility due to rampant violence and mismanagement. Stroud dives into the harrowing stories of former inmates and the systemic failures highlighted by tragic cases like Kalief Browder's. The conversation also covers the implications of recent legal rulings and the urgent need for reform in New York City jails. He emphasizes the challenges of staffing and accountability that continue to plague the facility.
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Inmate Violence Training at Rikers
- Former inmate Hernandez Stroud recalls learning unimaginable violence at Rikers Island due to unstaffed units and freely hidden weapons.
- Constant danger forced inmates to arm themselves for protection against lack of correctional officer presence.
Federal Takeover Due to Failure
- After nearly a decade of unfulfilled reforms, a federal judge mandated federal control of New York City jails, including Rikers.
- The ruling cites alarming conditions and systemic failure to comply with court orders or improve jail safety.
Security Failures Fuel Violence
- Rikers' core problem is failed security and staffing mismanagement, allowing violence and self-harm to proliferate.
- Despite being well-funded and richly staffed, inadequate supervision and poor protocols persist at the jail.