Rikers Island Deaths Highlight US Prison Crisis
Five people have already died at Rikers Island this year, and the situation is rapidly deteriorating. This tragic reality underscores a deeper crisis within the American justice system, one that extends far beyond the walls of this notorious jail. The sheer number of deaths, occurring so early in the year, paints a grim picture of the conditions within the facility and raises serious questions about the efficacy and ethics of our approach to incarceration.
The high percentage of pretrial detainees at Rikers—reportedly around 85%—highlights the significant role of bail reform in this ongoing tragedy. Over-incarceration, coupled with potentially inadequate staff training and unstable working conditions, seems to be creating a dangerous environment.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood