NEW YORK, NY – Mayor Adams has issued an executive order aimed at improving conditions within New York City jails, particularly on Rikers Island, following directives from both a federal monitor and a federal court.
The order comes in response to a statement made by the federal monitor in the Nunez use-of-force class action on September 2, 2021, urging immediate action to amend the jail conditions. Further, on June 14, 2022, the Nunez Action Plan was approved by the federal court, which outlined concrete measures to address the crisis at Rikers Island effectively.
Despite improvements in reducing excessive staff absenteeism, the Department of Correction (DOC) still faces challenges with staffing levels that lead to increased unrest and disorder. This situation poses a significant risk to maintaining sanitary conditions and providing access to basic services such as showers, meals, visitation, religious services, commissary, and recreation, as well as prompt processing at intake.
The executive order underscores the necessity of adhering to the Nunez Action Plan and addresses the critical impact of the DOC’s staffing levels on facility conditions and health operations. Mayor Adams’ directive highlights the administration’s commitment to reforming jail conditions and ensuring the health and safety of both inmates and staff within the city’s correctional facilities.