Advocates, family members call on lawmakers to stop sending inmates to Rikers after death of 3rd detainee this year
NEW YORK -- Family members of Rikers Island jail inmates and allies rallied Monday following the deaths of at least three inmates so far this year.
The group is small, but their demands are large, CBS2's Elijah Westbrook reported.
They say Gov. Kathy Hochul's "mass jailing plan" is problematic. Part of their request to the governor is for her to find a way to end what they're saying is an inhumane environment inside New York jails.
Advocates and family members of Rikers Island inmates said the conditions are deplorable.
"We're here to bring attention to the horrific deaths that have happened," said Victor Pate, co-director of HALTsolitary Campaign.
Their pleas to fix what they're calling a dangerous environment at the facility follow three inmates dying this year at Rikers. Pate said that's an unacceptable statistic.
"It is too much, too soon, too many and we're saying to Governor Hochul, all of the elected officials that you need to de-carcerate. You need to get people out of these prisons and jails. We're telling judges, we're telling prosecutors do not send people to Rikers Island. You should be releasing people," Pate said.
A recent federal monitor report described chaos within Rikers as detainees easily roam around while basic protocols, like locking doors, are not always followed.
There were more than 6,200 fights last year, and 48 stabbings or slashing in January alone. Those who are hurt report they're waiting hours for medical care, and some assaults go unreported.
"The focus is again on attempts by some of our elected officials to roll back the major reforms that have emptied out the state prisons and the jails," advocate Bill Martin said.
"We're here to fight against mass incarceration and the abuses that happen continually in our jail. People with disabilities, mental health and substance abuse issues," said advocate Rozann Greco.
Department of Corrections Commissioner Louis Molina said in a statement, "We are moving forward as swiftly as possible to fix longstanding issues."
Molina said assaults are down, more correction officers are at work and more than 100 weapons have been confiscated on Rikers Island.
The advocates rallied for about an hour, but they plan to continue their efforts. Their next rally, they said, will take place March 28 in front of the State Capitol.