Pamela,
Carlos Cruz, 43, died on September 3 while detained at the Rikers Island jail complex. He is the twelfth person to die while in the New York City Department of Correction's custody this year. The steady stream of deaths underscores the city's failure to provide basic safety in its jails.
Right now, there are people held at Rikers Island caged in tiny showers, sleeping on excrement-smeared floors. They are being subjected to dangerously inhumane environments that will impact their mental health and well-being for years to come.
These persistent human rights abuses at Rikers Island must end. Take action and demand that Rikers Island close.
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Despite years of federal oversight, reform efforts have repeatedly failed. New York City previously agreed to close Rikers by 2027, but people incarcerated on Rikers Island simply can't wait any longer for the situation to improve. People who are incarcerated continue to suffer brutal conditions, while medical neglect and jail staff absenteeism run rampant.
Pamela, we cannot normalize this dire situation. People deserve to be treated with dignity, and waiting to go to court should never be a death sentence. Join us in demanding that Rikers Island close.
To help prevent deaths on Rikers and in jails citywide, New York City must also take action to decarcerate. By investing in community-based programs, like supportive housing or mental health services, the city can safely reduce its jail population.
We have the tools to end the deaths and build safe communities—we just need our leaders to use them.
Thank you for being with us,
Vera Institute of Justice |
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