Rikers Island will remain under New York City's control, for now
NEW YORK -- Rikers Island will remain under the city's control, for now.
A federal judge heard arguments in favor of having the troubled jail complex turned over to a third party administrator.
As CBS2's Kevin Rincon reports, the calls for change have been loud.
Ahead of a federal hearing downtown, a rally was held by groups calling on the city to close Rikers.
"We know the mayor's team will argue that they have the situation under control, but we know that is the complete opposite," one activist said.
So far this year, 18 inmates have died at the jail. As the name of those inmates were read outside the court, the judge inside heard arguments for and against receivership, an effort to turn control of Rikers over to a third party administrator.
This follows a recent report outlined by the Board of Correction, placing some blame on staff for the deaths of at least nine inmates.
"And Rikers then continues to say things will get better. When? You said that 10 years ago. You said that five years ago. In fact, you said that after Kalief died," said Akeem Browder, Kalief Browder's brother.
Akeem Browder says federal intervention could be what's needed to deliver on previous promises to close down the facility.
"I'm hopeful the federal monitor steps in. This hearing is important because if we can't get it shut down by the city, we're happy that the government stepped in," he said.
Another hearing will be held in April of next year. The issue of receivership will be revisited at that point.
It's worth noting Mayor Eric Adams has insisted that the city will not be turning over control of Rikers to anyone, insisting they can and will get the job done.
Last month, loved ones of inmates who died called on the mayor to close Rikers and for the city to end solitary confinement.
"They arrest him at the hospital, when he needed the medicine. Why didn't they provide the medicine?" one mother named Haydeth Tavira said.
Due to deteriorating conditions and decades of mismanagement, lawyers with the Legal Aid Society have been arguing the city should hand over control of the jail to a federal receiver.
In a statement, they expressed their disappointment with the judge's decision: "We are disappointed that the court would not allow plaintiffs to present their case for the appointment of a receiver, but appreciate the court's demand of the city for swift and serious action. The Legal Aid Society will continue to hold the City accountable for the violence and abuse that our incarcerated clients suffer every day."
Some criminal justice experts say a it may be a good idea for the city to transfer the power.
"This is a multifaceted problem, really," said John Paitakes, who sits on the New Jersey Parole Board. "Rikers Island is severely understaffed."
Paitakes said if a federal entity can bring in additional, well-trained workers, it's a good plan.
"The correction officers who are managers, the superintendents, etc. kind of all have to be on the same page that we're here for custody but also rehabilitation," he said. "What everybody has to remember is that 95% of a prison population is going to be released at some point."