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Council Member Nurse emphasizes urgency of closing Rikers Island
0:01:03
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39 sec
Council Member Nurse stresses the moral imperative to close Rikers Island, citing recent deaths in custody and the deteriorating conditions for inmates. She emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort across multiple levels of government to address this issue.
- Five people have died in city custody in the past six weeks.
- Existing health conditions of inmates are often exacerbated while in custody.
- Closing Rikers requires reducing jail population, maintaining public safety, and transitioning to a borough-based jail system.
Sandy Nurse
0:01:03
As we continue to witness people in custody suffer and die, the moral imperative to enclose Rikers Island remains as urgent as ever.
0:01:11
In just the past six weeks, we've seen the death of five people who passed away in city custody.
0:01:16
And while many people come into Rikers with a number of debilitating conditions, they have generally been accelerated while in our custody, and this must end.
0:01:26
As was outlined in the independent commission's blueprint, to reduce the jail population, maintain public safety, and transition to a humane borough based jail system will require a coordinated effort across multiple levels of government including consistent partnership with the council.