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Q&A
Examining the use of the 6A early release program
2:42:57
ยท
130 sec
Council Member Restler inquires about the use of the 6A early release program as a potential method to reduce the jail population. The discussion reveals limited use of the program and explores possibilities for expansion.
- 78 individuals have been released via 6A under the current commissioner's tenure
- Out of approximately 6,700 people in DOC custody, 498 are sentenced individuals potentially eligible for 6A
- DOC officials state they are continuously evaluating eligibility and releasing those who meet the criteria
- The conversation touches on alternatives to incarceration and electronic monitoring as additional strategies to reduce the jail population
- Restler expresses willingness to advocate for more resources for alternative programs if it could lead to population reduction at Rikers Island
Lincoln Restler
2:42:57
Okay.
2:42:58
Last question for me.
2:42:59
The BOC variance that you're seeking next week.
2:43:02
A variance from the BOC for minimum space standards.
2:43:06
You're citing I believe the rising census that you mentioned in your opening testimony, the individuals pending state transfer that are stuck as a result of the wildcat strikes going on.
2:43:17
Could you share with us how many individual and so you've indicated, I believe, it was 78 individuals have been released via 6A under your tenure.
2:43:26
There are 6,700 was it is that the current census?
2:43:30
6,700 people in DOC custody today?
2:43:32
So roughly 607 people are eligible for 6A, is that right?
2:43:37
It's about 10% of your population?
Lynelle Maginley-Liddie
2:43:39
I believe the number is four what is our sentence population?
2:43:42
You have that chief.
Sherrieann Rembert
2:43:43
Yes ma'am, it is four ninety eight.
Lynelle Maginley-Liddie
2:43:49
So there are four ninety
Lincoln Restler
2:43:50
eight four ninety eight.
Lynelle Maginley-Liddie
2:43:51
Sentenced individuals.
2:43:52
So a very small percentage of the population.
2:43:55
And as I explained to Councilmember Stevens, that work is ongoing on a daily basis looking at who's eligible.
2:44:02
And if they're eligible and they meet the criteria, we release them.
Lincoln Restler
2:44:07
Okay.
Lynelle Maginley-Liddie
2:44:07
I mean there have been instances where we've approached people to release them and they don't want to be released.
Lincoln Restler
2:44:13
I hope that
Lynelle Maginley-Liddie
2:44:16
is the situation.
Lincoln Restler
2:44:18
Appreciate you taking I you taking seriously your six a powers.
2:44:23
They've not been consistently used by previous commissioners.
2:44:26
I do hope that you'll continue to look at every opportunity to safely reduce the We
Lynelle Maginley-Liddie
2:44:31
are and we're working with our partners at Mach J to address the individuals who we can if it's electronic monitoring, alternatives to incarceration.
2:44:41
That is an ongoing effort because of where we are.
Lincoln Restler
2:44:44
Appreciate that.
2:44:45
I think if there are ways that the council can advocate for more resources for EM, for alternatives to ATIs, ATDs, we want to do that and would be happy to I certainly want to do that and would be happy to advocate for those resources if you think it could help lead to a reduction in the population on Rikers Island.
2:45:02
Thank you very much.
Lynelle Maginley-Liddie
2:45:03
Thank you.
Althea Stevens
2:45:04
Thank you.
2:45:05
Councilmember Brewer?