NEW YORK, NY—In response to ongoing challenges at New York City Department of Correction (DOC) facilities, a state of emergency first declared in September 2021 has been extended yet again. This extension, detailed in the latest Emergency Executive Order, continues measures from previous orders aimed at addressing critical staffing shortages and maintaining necessary safety and security measures.

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The urgency of the situation was initially highlighted by a federal monitor in the Nunez use-of-force class action on September 2, 2021, prompting immediate actions to improve conditions in the city’s jails. Progress following these actions led to the June 14, 2022 approval of the Nunez Action Plan by a federal court.

The plan outlines concrete measures to manage the crisis at Rikers Island, including addressing staff absenteeism and attrition rates that impact the DOC’s ability to maintain safety, hygiene, and access to basic inmate services such as showers, meals, and recreation.

Despite improvements in staff attendance, high rates of attrition due to retirements and other departures continue to pose significant challenges. This ongoing issue, coupled with the requirements set forth in the Nunez Action Plan, necessitates the extended emergency measures.

The latest order, citing reasons from Emergency Executive Order No. 140 of 2022 and Emergency Executive Order No. 579 of 2024, reasserts the necessity to prioritize compliance with the action plan and manage the health operations and overall conditions within DOC facilities.

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Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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