Decades of corruption and mismanagement have proven that New York City is unable to improve the deadly human rights crisis manufactured by the Department of Correction. Since Mayor Adams has entered office, 13 detained people have died on Rikers in 2022 because of suicide, overdoses, and medical issues––all of which were preventable. In 2022, violence among detainees is up 40% compared to 2021.  Staff incompetence and corruption is up while accountability is down.

Rikers Island is entitled to responsible leadership. 

Take the keys away from Adams before he takes away more lives.

Federal Receivership is the only solution.

In order to save lives today and ensure closure by 2027, the Federal Court must appoint a non-partisan “receiver” to override the longstanding dysfunction ripping Rikers Island. 

A receiver can do things the city is legally unable to do like: hire competent leadership from outside Rikers Island; discipline staff misconduct swiftly; budget for needed infrastructure improvements like locking cell doors without waiting months or years to clear red tape. 

City rules and long-abused policies can immediately be overturned by a federal receiver, who can make sweeping fixes without the red tape and political opposition.

A receiver is shielded from undue political influence like Corrections Unions. Once sustainable achievements are made, the receiver returns power to the City, which would allow NYC to avoid bringing the toxic Rikers culture to the new jails in 2027.

Sign the petition if you want to make sure 2027’s jails are actually safe for detainees AND staff.