PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Zakya Warkeno, Social Worker at Bronx Defenders
3:03:38
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3 min
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. She emphasized the urgency of these reforms in light of recent deaths at Rikers Island.
- Strongly supported Intro 206, which would require correction officers to carry and administer opioid antagonists, potentially saving lives in custody.
- Endorsed Intro 412, which would require notification of emergency contacts and attorneys when individuals in custody attempt suicide, are hospitalized, or seriously injured.
- Highlighted the need for written protocols in DOC, stating that officers only follow rules if they are explicitly written.
Zakya Warkeno
3:03:38
Hello.
3:03:39
Good afternoon.
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My name is Zakiah Warquino.
3:03:41
I'm a social worker at Bronx defenders.
3:03:45
We thank the city council for holding this hearing on the suite of bills being discussed today.
3:03:51
Bronx defenders would particularly like to uplift and show support for intro 206, intro for 12, intro for 23, and intro 6 25.
3:04:05
These bills are necessary and further the efforts to achieve meaningful oversight of deal of the DOC while we collectively move towards closing records down once and for all.
3:04:20
We will be submitting written testimony I just wanna say it is egregious that so many people have lost their lives in the, quote, care of the Department of Corrections, particularly during this current mayor mayor mayoral administration.
3:04:38
Entro206 can save lives.
3:04:41
Just earlier this week, the goth the gothamists published an article detailing the inactions of correctional staff in the moments leading up to Elijah Mohammed's death.
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Who was detained at Rykers in 2022.
3:04:59
The article explains that the former correction officer watched Elijah Mohammed in distress for hours rendered no aid and died from acute ethanol intoxication as noted from the article.
3:05:13
I mentioned Mister Mohammed for the recent publication, but as the city council and the many advocates in the room and on Zoom, no.
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There are many others who have died.
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206 writes humanitarian response and tools into DOC's protocol.
3:05:35
DOC officers only follow rules if if it is not written, they do not do it.
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And it's sad.
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It's sad that also apply to not saving someone's life.
3:05:48
When officers are on duty and in uniform, intuition, and the capacity to respond based on once humanity dissolve.
3:05:56
Intro 206 quite literally is legislation that can save lives.
3:06:02
Bronx defenders also supports intro 412 that would have CHS notify emergency contacts and attorney of record when an individual in custody attempts suicide is hospitalized or is seriously injured.
3:06:17
When a person we represent expresses thoughts of self harm or suicidal ideation, our advocates reach out directly to CHS patient relations or CHS operations to get that person some support.
3:06:34
Entro 412 allows for there to be more of a 2 way street in communication.
