REMARKS
Context of DOC issues and the urgency for reform at Rikers Island
0:05:03
·
35 sec
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 unconstitutional conditions at Rikers Island
- Emphasizes the council's obligation to create a safer jail system and close Rikers Island
- Stresses the urgency of taking action to prevent further tragedy and heartache
Sandy Nurse
0:05:03
All these proposals come in the context of the Department of Correction that remains in turmoil with the looming threat of a federal takeover because of its failure to remedy the unconstitutional conditions of confinement on Ryger's Island.
0:05:18
As long as the level of danger posed to people in custody and employees remains on acceptable, the council has an obligation to use its legislative authority to create a safer jail system and close Ryker's Island.
0:05:30
As we'll hear from our first panel of witnesses, failure to take urgent and necessary action will only result in more tragedy and heartache.
