New York City Council
Committee on Criminal Justice
Sep 27, 2024
·
10:00 AM
4 hr 3 min
Summary
A hearing on several proposed bills aimed at reforming and increasing transparency in the Department of Correction (DOC) and Correctional Health Services (CHS).
Discussions focused on:
- Improving notification procedures for families when incarcerated individuals are injured, hospitalized, or die in custody
- Establishing programs for child visitors
- Requiring officers to carry opioid antagonists
- Improving housing and treatment of transgender individuals
- Enhancing reporting on sexual assault and harassment
- Improving visitation policies and procedures
The hearing highlighted significant ongoing problems at Rikers Island and in DOC operations, with council members and advocates pushing for reforms while DOC officials expressed some reservations about proposed changes.
Features testimony from the Department of Correction (DOC), Correctional Health Services (CHS), and the public, including family members of incarcerated individuals and advocacy groups.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Sandy Nurse opens the hearing and introduces colleagues
Council Member Sandy Nurse opens the Committee on Criminal Justice hearing, welcoming attendees and introducing present council members. - Identifies herself as the Chair of the Committee on Criminal Justice …
0:00:39
·
25 sec
Overview of the legislative agenda for criminal justice reform
Council Member Nurse provides a brief introduction to the day's agenda, focusing on legislation aimed at reforming and increasing transparency in the Department of Correction and Correctional Health Services. - …
0:01:05
·
20 sec
Explanation of proposed bills: Person-first language, TGNCNBI task force, and opioid antagonists
Council Member Nurse details the first set of proposed bills, focusing on language reform, extending the TGNCNBI task force, and requiring correction officers to carry opioid antagonists. - Intro 151: …
0:01:25
·
69 sec
Explanation of proposed bills: Notifications, visitor programs, and housing standards
Council Member Nurse outlines several bills focused on improving notification procedures, establishing visitor programs, and refining housing standards for incarcerated individuals. - Intro 412: Ensures notification of emergency contacts and …
0:02:34
·
83 sec
Explanation of proposed bills: Visitation reporting, gender-affirming items, mental health examinations, and sexual assault reporting
Council Member Nurse details the final set of proposed bills, covering a range of topics from visitation reporting to mental health examinations and sexual assault reporting. - Intro 1026: Enhances …
0:03:58
·
64 sec
Context of DOC issues and the urgency for reform at Rikers Island
Council Member Nurse provides context for the proposed legislation, highlighting the ongoing issues at the Department of Correction and Rikers Island. - Mentions the threat of federal takeover due to …
0:05:03
·
35 sec
Council Member Althea Stevens introduces Intro 735-A on reporting violence against correctional staff
Council Member Althea Stevens introduces and advocates for Intro 735-A, which requires the Department of Corrections to report on physical violence, sexual assault, and harassment of correctional staff, and ensures …
0:05:55
·
74 sec
Council Member Carlina Rivera introduces bills on death investigations and child visitation programs
Council Member Carlina Rivera presents two bills aimed at improving conditions and transparency in NYC correctional facilities. She discusses the high death rate at Rikers Island and emphasizes the need …
0:07:23
·
154 sec
Council Member Farah Louis introduces Intro 1061 on sexual harassment reporting in corrections
Council Member Farah Louis presents Intro 1061, a bill addressing gaps in the Department of Corrections' reporting on sexual harassment and abuse allegations. The bill aims to improve transparency and …
0:10:07
·
99 sec
Council Member Tiffany Cabán discusses Intros 151 and 152 on humanizing language and TGNCNBI task force
Council Member Tiffany Cabán presents remarks on two pieces of legislation: Intro 151, which aims to promote more humane language in the criminal justice system, and Intro 152, which extends …
0:11:57
·
113 sec
Introduction to Council member Hanif's statement on Intro 206-A
Council member Sandy Nurse reads a statement on behalf of Council member Shahana Hanif, who is absent due to a health issue. The statement begins with acknowledgments to other council …
0:13:52
·
34 sec
Overview and aims of Intro 206-A
Council member Hanif's statement introduces Intro 206-A, which aims to prevent drug-related deaths in Department of Correction (DOC) facilities by improving policies related to NARCAN, an opioid overdose reversal medication. …
0:14:26
·
6 min
Specific requirements of Intro 206-A
Council member Hanif's statement outlines the specific requirements proposed in Intro 206-A to improve NARCAN policies in DOC facilities. - All correction officers would be required to be trained on …
0:20:55
·
34 sec
Current issues with NARCAN in DOC facilities
The statement highlights several issues with the current NARCAN policies and practices in DOC facilities, emphasizing the need for the proposed changes in Intro 206-A. - DOC currently only stocks …
0:21:29
·
46 sec
Final requirements, acknowledgments, and closing remarks on Intro 206-A
Council member Hanif's statement concludes with a final requirement of Intro 206-A, acknowledgments to organizations that helped inform the legislation, and closing remarks emphasizing the potential life-saving impact of the …
0:22:16
·
32 sec
Testimony by Khadira Savage, Member of Freedom Agenda, on NYC Department of Correction Notification Procedures
Khadira Savage, a member of Freedom Agenda, testifies in support of Intro 412 and Intro 423, sharing her personal experience with the lack of notification and poor communication from the …
0:24:00
·
5 min
Testimony by Lezandre Khadu, Member of Freedom Agenda, on Intros 412 and 423
Lezandre Khadu, a member of Freedom Agenda, provides emotional testimony in support of Intros 412 and 423, sharing her personal experience as the mother of Stephan Amani Khadu, who died …
0:30:24
·
8 min
Testimony by Joanne De la Paz, Member of Freedom Agenda
Joanne De la Paz, a member of Freedom Agenda, testifies in support of Intro 412, which would require notification of family members when serious injuries occur in DOC custody. She …
0:39:15
·
3 min
Council Member Sandy Nurse thanks testimonies and acknowledges their impact
Council Member Sandy Nurse expresses gratitude to those who shared their stories and acknowledges the difficulty in hearing about their experiences. She emphasizes that the situation is unacceptable and that …
0:42:40
·
51 sec
Council member Abreu expresses sympathy and support for testifying families
Council Member Shaun Abreu responds to the testimonies of families affected by issues in the Department of Correction, expressing sympathy and pledging support for reform legislation. He emphasizes the council's …
0:43:37
·
35 sec
Council Member Ayala shares personal experience with brother's incarceration
Council Member Diana I. Ayala shares her personal experience with her brother's incarceration at Rikers Island. She reveals that her brother, who suffered from severe mental illness and substance use …
0:44:13
·
72 sec
Council Member Ayala expresses solidarity and commitment to justice
Council Member Diana I. Ayala expresses solidarity with the families of incarcerated individuals and commits to seeking justice. She emphasizes the importance of having a diverse city council that includes …
0:45:28
·
28 sec
Council Member Narcisse expresses support for families affected by DOC issues
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse responds to the testimonies of families affected by issues in the Department of Correction. She expresses empathy for their situations and emphasizes the importance of treating …
0:46:06
·
96 sec
Chair Sandy Nurse concludes panel and commits to legislative action
Council Member Sandy Nurse, as chair of the committee, concludes the panel portion of the hearing. She expresses gratitude to the families for sharing their stories and commits to taking …
0:47:45
·
34 sec
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams discusses DOC issues and proposed legislation
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams presents his testimony on various issues related to the Department of Correction (DOC) and proposed legislation. He discusses recent deaths in DOC custody, the need for …
0:49:20
·
4 min
Council Member Lincoln Restler advocates for Intro 412 to improve communication about incarcerated individuals
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses strong support for Intro 412, which would require Correctional Health Services to notify families within one hour about serious medical injuries, hospitalizations, or suicide attempts …
0:53:36
·
3 min
Introduction and overview of DOC's reform efforts
First Deputy Commissioner Francis Torres introduces herself and provides an overview of the New York City Department of Correction's ongoing reform efforts. She emphasizes the agency's commitment to creating a …
1:00:29
·
42 sec
Current procedures for deaths and serious incidents in custody
Deputy Commissioner Torres outlines the Department of Correction's current procedures for handling deaths and serious incidents in custody. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate notification and support services for both …
1:01:12
·
3 min
Concerns with Intro 423 on death notification and reporting
Deputy Commissioner Torres expresses significant concerns with Intro 423, which proposes to establish new procedures for death notifications and reporting in custody. She outlines several issues with the bill's requirements …
1:04:46
·
3 min
Support for Intro 206 on opioid antagonists
Deputy Commissioner Torres expresses the Department of Correction's support for Intro 206, which would require uniform members of service to carry opioid antagonists (NARCAN). The department is open to working …
1:08:10
·
38 sec
Housing and treatment of TGNCNBI individuals in DOC custody
Deputy Commissioner Torres outlines the Department of Correction's approach to housing and treating transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) individuals in custody. She emphasizes the department's commitment to dignity, …
1:08:50
·
3 min
Concerns with Intro 625 on TGNCNBI housing requirements
Deputy Commissioner Torres expresses serious concerns about Intro 625, which would establish new requirements for housing TGNCNBI individuals in DOC custody. She outlines several issues with the proposed legislation and …
1:12:26
·
129 sec
Discussion of Intro 127 on gender-affirming items
Deputy Commissioner Torres discusses Intro 127, which requires Correctional Health Services staff to offer gender-affirming items and medical devices to all individuals entering DOC custody. She outlines current practices and …
1:14:36
·
100 sec
Extension of TGNCNBI task force (Intro 152)
Deputy Commissioner Torres briefly discusses Intro 152, which proposes to extend the duration of the existing task force related to the treatment and housing of TGNCNBI individuals in DOC custody. …
1:16:17
·
43 sec
Sexual abuse and harassment policies (PREA compliance)
Deputy Commissioner Torres outlines the Department of Correction's policies and procedures regarding sexual abuse and harassment, emphasizing the department's zero-tolerance stance and compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). …
1:17:01
·
4 min
Concerns with Intro 735a on reporting staff assaults
Deputy Commissioner Torres expresses concerns about Intro 735a, which would require the Department of Correction to report on allegations of physical violence, including sexual abuse and harassment, perpetrated against DOC …
1:21:36
·
92 sec
Visitation process improvements
Deputy Commissioner Torres briefly addresses the bills related to improving the visitation process in DOC facilities. She emphasizes the department's recognition of the importance of maintaining family bonds during incarceration. …
1:23:09
·
50 sec
Conclusion and commitment to working with the council
Deputy Commissioner Torres concludes her testimony by reaffirming the Department of Correction's commitment to building safe and humane jails and expressing willingness to work with the city council on the …
1:24:00
·
50 sec
Introduction and overview of CHS's position on proposed legislation
Dr. Bipin Subedi, Chief Medical Officer of NYC Health and Hospitals Correctional Health Services (CHS), introduces himself and provides an overview of CHS's position on the proposed legislation. He outlines …
1:25:02
·
45 sec
Concerns about Intro 423: Publicly naming CHS employees in death investigations
Dr. Subedi expresses strong opposition to aspects of Intro 423, particularly the requirement to publicly name CHS employees involved in circumstances contributing to deaths in custody. He outlines the potential …
1:25:48
·
142 sec
CHS's current death review process and transparency measures
Dr. Subedi describes CHS's comprehensive and transparent death review process, which was established when CHS became a division of NYC Health and Hospitals. He outlines the multiple steps involved and …
1:28:12
·
130 sec
Joint Assessment and Review (JAR) process between CHS and DOC
Dr. Subedi explains the Joint Assessment and Review (JAR) process, a collaborative effort between CHS and the Department of Correction (DOC) to review in-custody deaths. He emphasizes the importance of …
1:30:26
·
56 sec
Issues with reporting on compassionate release
Dr. Subedi addresses the challenges associated with reporting on compassionate release, as proposed in Intro 423. He explains CHS's current practices for providing medical information to defense counsel and the …
1:31:23
·
66 sec
CHS's position on Intro 412: Notification procedures for suicide attempts and serious injuries
Dr. Subedi expresses opposition to aspects of Intro 412, which would require CHS to notify emergency contacts and attorneys within one hour of suicide attempts, hospitalizations, or serious injuries. He …
1:32:30
·
118 sec
CHS's support for Intro 1036: Reporting on mental health evaluations
Dr. Subedi expresses support, with modifications, for Intro 1036, which would require reporting on individuals ordered to undergo mental health evaluations (730 examinations). He outlines CHS's current practices and their …
1:34:30
·
99 sec
Council Member Sandy Nurse questions DOC on family notification procedures for deaths in custody
Council Member Sandy Nurse questions First Deputy Commissioner Francis Torres about the Department of Correction's procedures for notifying families about deaths and serious incidents in custody. The discussion focuses on …
1:36:13
·
162 sec
Council Member Restler's opening remarks and acknowledgments
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the session by thanking DOC and CHS representatives for attending. He also acknowledges the work of Freedom Agenda in crafting legislation and advocating for incarcerated …
1:39:01
·
40 sec
Discussion on serious medical injuries and lack of data on emergency contact notifications
Council Member Restler questions CHS representatives about the number of individuals with serious medical injuries and the frequency of emergency contact notifications. CHS reveals a lack of comprehensive data on …
1:39:32
·
100 sec
Debate over hospitalizations and emergency contact notifications
Council Member Restler presses CHS representatives for data on hospitalizations and subsequent emergency contact notifications. CHS explains that hospital staff typically handle these notifications, revealing a gap in their data …
1:41:12
·
117 sec
CHS capacity to contact emergency contacts and definition of serious injury
Council Member Restler questions CHS representatives about their capacity to contact emergency contacts for serious injuries. CHS expresses concerns about capacity and the range of injuries covered under the 'serious …
1:43:10
·
117 sec
Discrepancy between admin code and CHS definitions of serious injury
Council Member Restler presents the admin code definition of 'serious injury' and questions CHS representatives about the discrepancy between this definition and their own. The discussion highlights the potential impact …
1:45:07
·
168 sec
Operational concerns for implementing the proposed legislation
Council Member Restler and CHS representatives discuss the operational challenges of implementing the proposed legislation, focusing on the process of obtaining authorization to notify emergency contacts and maintaining up-to-date contact …
1:47:55
·
3 min
Council Member Sandy Nurse questions CHS on emergency contact reaffirmation procedures
Council Member Sandy Nurse engages in a discussion with Chief Medical Officer Bipin Subedi about the procedures for reaffirming emergency contacts for incarcerated individuals. The conversation focuses on the challenges …
1:50:58
·
139 sec
Council Member Stevens questions DOC about Intro 735-A
Council Member Althea Stevens expresses confusion and concern about the Department of Correction's (DOC) stance on Intro 735-A, a bill regarding reporting of sexual assault/harassment against correctional staff. She highlights …
1:53:18
·
109 sec
DOC explains current reporting process and proposed modifications to Intro 735-A
Sherrieann Rembert, Bureau Chief/Chief of Staff of NYC Department of Correction (DOC), explains the current reporting process for sexual assault/harassment incidents and discusses potential modifications to Intro 735-A. Council Member …
1:55:07
·
88 sec
Debate over public reporting and its impact on staff willingness to report incidents
The discussion shifts to concerns about public reporting of sexual assault/harassment incidents and its potential impact on staff willingness to report. Council Member Stevens expresses frustration with the apparent disconnect …
1:56:35
·
118 sec
Council member shares personal experience of brother's injuries in custody
Council Member Diana I. Ayala recounts her brother's experience of being stabbed twice while in custody at Rikers Island. She expresses deep concern about the lack of family notification in …
1:58:43
·
113 sec
CHS response to family notification concerns
Jeanette Merrill from CHS responds to Council Member Ayala's concerns about family notification procedures. She acknowledges the devastating nature of the stories shared and suggests potential improvements. - CHS's patient …
2:00:38
·
50 sec
Council member highlights disconnect in family notification process
Council Member Ayala presses CHS representatives on the disconnect between injury occurrence and family notification. She expresses frustration with the current system and lack of apparent improvements. - Ayala points …
2:01:29
·
130 sec
Discussion on hospital notification policies and procedures
CHS representatives respond to Council Member Ayala's concerns about hospital notification policies and procedures. The discussion reveals uncertainties and variabilities in the current system. - CHS mentions efforts to improve …
2:03:41
·
76 sec
DOC's incident reporting process for serious injuries
Council Member Sandy Nurse questions DOC officials about their incident reporting process for serious injuries, such as stabbings. The discussion reveals that when an incident occurs, the tour commander assesses …
2:04:58
·
4 min
Proposal for emergency contact notification in DOC's incident reporting process
Council Member Sandy Nurse proposes incorporating emergency contact notification into DOC's existing incident reporting process for serious injuries. She suggests that since information about incidents reaches high-level officials quickly, there …
2:09:05
·
78 sec
Council Member Rivera's opening remarks and initial questions
Council Member Carlina Rivera opens the session by acknowledging the concerns raised in previous testimony and requesting constructive feedback on proposed legislation. She emphasizes the importance of implementing reforms to …
2:10:24
·
83 sec
Death notification process and chaplain involvement
First Deputy Commissioner Francis Torres explains the process for notifying next of kin after a death in custody, emphasizing the involvement of chaplains and the preference for in-person notifications. - …
2:11:49
·
3 min
Policy on handling belongings and releasing video footage
Deputy Commissioner James Saunders explains the DOC's policies regarding the handling of belongings of deceased individuals in custody and the release of video footage to next of kin. - Personal …
2:15:12
·
101 sec
Request for information on compassionate release and visiting policies
Council Member Carlina Rivera requests information on compassionate release policies and visiting procedures, particularly focusing on expediting the processing of children visitors. - Rivera asks about the policy on compassionate …
2:16:53
·
45 sec
Explanation of compassionate release in jail context
Jeanette Merrill, Director of Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs for NYC Health And Hospitals Correctional Health Services, explains the concept of compassionate release as it applies to the jail context. - …
2:17:37
·
66 sec
Discussion of current visitation policies and statistics
Allie Robertson, Executive Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the NYC Department of Correction, provides information on current visitation policies and statistics in response to Council Member Rivera's questions. - The …
2:18:47
·
148 sec
Conclusion and request for follow-up on child visitor policies
Council Member Carlina Rivera concludes the discussion by emphasizing the importance of addressing child visitors' needs and expressing her intention to work on passing the proposed bills. - Rivera requests …
2:21:17
·
20 sec
DOC's response to sexual assault allegations and investigations
Council Member Sandy Nurse questioned DOC officials about their response to the high volume of sexual assault lawsuits filed under the Adult Survivors Act. DOC officials stated they are cooperating …
2:21:39
·
140 sec
Process for reassigning officers accused of sexual misconduct
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquired about DOC's process for reassigning officers accused of sexual misconduct, particularly in relation to the Rose M. Singer Center. DOC officials explained their approach to …
2:24:01
·
113 sec
PREA compliance and semi-annual report status
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquired about the status of the PREA semi-annual report, which was due on August 15th. DOC officials provided an update on the report's status. - The …
2:25:54
·
42 sec
Timeliness of sexual abuse and harassment investigations
Council Member Sandy Nurse questioned DOC officials about the timeliness of sexual abuse and harassment investigations, citing a high rate of investigations not meeting the 90-day legal mandate. DOC officials …
2:26:36
·
101 sec
Update on grievance filing application for tablets
Council Member Sandy Nurse requested an update on the development of an application for tablets that would allow individuals in custody to file grievances. DOC officials provided a brief update …
2:28:19
·
40 sec
Discussion of Intro 1027 on gender-affirming items and medical devices
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquired about the current process for obtaining gender-affirming items and medical devices, as well as DOC's feedback on Intro 1027. CHS and DOC officials provided information …
2:28:59
·
4 min
Inquiries about visitor wait times at Rikers Island
Council Member Sandy Nurse asked about visitor wait times at Rikers Island, seeking information on average wait times and any studies or analyses conducted by DOC on this issue. - …
2:33:09
·
103 sec
DOC's response to Intro 735-A on reporting sexual assaults
First Deputy Commissioner Francis Torres provided DOC's position on Intro 735-A, which concerns reporting on sexual assaults. Council Member Sandy Nurse responded with the importance of having data to address …
2:34:53
·
104 sec
Testimony by Lucas Marquez, Advocate from Brooklyn Defender Services
Lucas Marquez from Brooklyn Defender Services testifies in support of Intros 152, 625, and 1027, focusing on the safety and rights of transgender individuals in NYC jails. He emphasizes the …
2:39:33
·
110 sec
Testimony by Natalie Fiorenzo, Correction Specialist at New York County Defender Services
Natalie Fiorenzo, a correction specialist at New York County Defender Services and member of the TGNCNBI task force, testified on several proposed bills aimed at improving conditions for individuals in …
2:41:29
·
3 min
Testimony by Mik Kinkead, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Society, on TGNCNBI Rights in NYC Jails
Mik Kinkead, a Staff Attorney at the Legal Aid Society, testified in support of several bills aimed at improving the treatment of transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) individuals …
2:45:31
·
167 sec
Testimony by Rachel Golden, Psychologist and Founder of Golden Psychology, on TGNCNBI Care in Correctional Facilities
Rachel Golden, a psychologist specializing in gender-affirming care, testified about the importance of appropriate housing and care for transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) individuals in custody. She emphasized …
2:48:27
·
3 min
Testimony by Faris Ilyas, Policy Council of The New Pride Agenda
Faris Ilyas from The New Pride Agenda testified about Intro 152, focusing on the task force for TGNCNBI people in custody. He highlighted the dysfunction within the task force due …
2:52:28
·
116 sec
Testimony by Kennedy Felder, Member of the Public
Kennedy Felder provided testimony on transgender housing in NYC Department of Correction facilities, emphasizing the importance of proper housing for transgender inmates and criticizing DOC's current practices. Felder shared personal …
2:54:55
·
177 sec
Testimony by Jay Edidin, Director of Advocacy and LGBTQ+ Initiatives at Women's Community Justice Association (WCJA)
Jay Edidin, representing the Women's Community Justice Association and the Beyond Rosies campaign, testified in support of Intro 625 and Intro 1027, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment of transgender …
2:58:10
·
127 sec
Testimony by Jewel on behalf of a Legal Aid Society client regarding Intro 625
Jewel presented a statement from a transgender woman currently in DOCCS custody, who had previously spent time in NYC jails. The statement strongly supports Intro 625, which aims to improve …
3:00:20
·
166 sec
Testimony by Zakya Warkeno, Social Worker at Bronx Defenders
Zakya Warkeno, a social worker at Bronx Defenders, testified in support of several bills aimed at improving oversight of the Department of Corrections (DOC) and potentially saving lives in custody. …
3:03:38
·
3 min
Testimony by Tanya Krupat, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Osborne Association
Tanya Krupat from the Osborne Association testified in support of several bills being considered by the NYC City Council Committee on Criminal Justice, focusing on death notification and visiting policies …
3:07:04
·
3 min
Testimony by Sarah Zarba, Social Worker from Legal Aid Society
Sarah Zarba, a social worker from the Legal Aid Society, testifies in support of Intro 206-A, which would require correction officers to carry and administer Narcan. She emphasizes the urgent …
3:10:16
·
154 sec
Testimony by Nadia Chait, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES)
Nadia Chait testified in support of several bills, particularly Intro 423, Intro 412, and Intro 1036. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the humanity of incarcerated individuals and their communities, …
3:13:25
·
106 sec
Testimony by Rajesh Mehra, Senior Most Licensed Creative Arts Therapist at Rikers Island Correctional Facility
Rajesh Mehra, the senior most creative arts therapist at Rikers Island, spoke in his personal capacity about his decade-long experience working with incarcerated patients. He highlighted concerns about staff retention, …
3:16:03
·
3 min
Testimony by Jennifer Parish, Director of Criminal Justice Advocacy at Urban Justice Center Mental Health Project
Jennifer Parish from the Urban Justice Center Mental Health Project testified on several proposed bills related to the treatment of incarcerated individuals in NYC jails. She expressed support for the …
3:19:23
·
178 sec
Testimony by Lorenzo Van Ness, Director of Community Organizing and Engagement at New York City Commission on Racial Equity (CORE)
Lorenzo Van Ness, representing the New York City Commission on Racial Equity (CORE), testified in support of increasing government accountability to the LGBTQIA+ community and those affected by the carceral …
3:22:21
·
3 min
Testimony by Reggie Chapman, Director of Policy at The Fortune Society
Reggie Chapman, Director of Policy at The Fortune Society and a formerly incarcerated individual, testified in support of several bills aimed at improving conditions and transparency in NYC jails. Chapman …
3:26:09
·
164 sec
Testimony by Melissa Vergara, Mother of Formerly Incarcerated Individual
Melissa Vergara, whose son was incarcerated at Rikers Island for two and a half years, testifies in support of Intro 412, which would require notification of emergency contacts when someone …
3:29:06
·
137 sec
Testimony by Ricky Ford, Policy Associate at Katal Center for Health Equity And Justice
Ricky Ford from the Katal Center for Health Equity And Justice testified about the ongoing crisis at Rikers Island jail complex, calling for its immediate closure and the appointment of …
3:31:33
·
3 min
Testimony by Ashley Santiago, Community Organizer from Freedom Agenda, on Visitation Issues at Rikers Island
Ashley Santiago, a community organizer for Freedom Agenda, testifies in support of Intros 420, 1023, and 1026, sharing personal experiences of visiting Rikers Island. She describes the challenges and indignities …
3:34:48
·
3 min
Testimony by Mother of Incarcerated Individual
Suresh Simone Holman testified about her son's unlawful incarceration at Rikers Island and called for the Department of Correction (DOC) to be shut down due to alleged collusion with other …
3:38:50
·
3 min
Testimony by Sharon Brown from on DOC and Rikers Island
Sharon Brown provided testimony regarding the closure of Rikers Island and reforms to the Department of Correction (DOC). She advocated for the immediate closure of Rikers Island, citing safety concerns …
3:42:24
·
3 min
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies on Intro 412, expressing concerns about the bill's effectiveness and the Department of Correction's (DOC) practices. He criticizes the DOC and COBA (Correction Officers' Benevolent Association) …
3:45:50
·
170 sec
Testimony by Vidal Guzman, Executive Director and Founder of America on Trial
Vidal Guzman, Executive Director and Founder of America on Trial, testified in support of Intro 423, sharing personal experiences to highlight the importance of notifying families about incarcerated individuals' well-being …
3:48:46
·
179 sec
Testimony by Chaplain Dr. Victoria Phillips, Founder/CEO of Visionary V
Chaplain Dr. Victoria Phillips, Founder/CEO of Visionary V, testified about the unsafe conditions at Rikers Island, the lack of accountability and transparency from DOC and CHS, and the need for …
3:52:20
·
3 min
Testimony by Eileen Maher, Civil Rights Union Leader and Social Worker, Survivor of Rikers Island
Eileen Maher, a civil rights union leader and social worker who spent 427 days as a detainee at Rikers Island, testifies in support of the proposed bills to improve conditions …
3:55:37
·
157 sec
Testimony by Maxima Rodas on behalf of a Legal Aid Client Known as "Ms. X"
Maxima Rodas presented testimony on behalf of a Legal Aid client known as "Ms. X", detailing the client's experiences as a transgender woman in the NYC Department of Correction system. …
3:58:50
·
3 min
