In response to Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas announcing a series of innovations in court operations by the Office of Court Administration to help expedite the processing of felony cases and reduce unnecessary delays in New York City’s criminal courts, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Criminal Justice Committee Chair Sandy Nurse issued the following joint statement.

“The announcement from the State Office of Court Administration (OCA) on new strategies and measures to reduce criminal case delays are welcome and necessary solutions. Excessive delays in the justice system have prolonged the lengths of stays at Rikers Island, which inflates the city’s jail population. These innovations represent a pivotal step and commitment from a key stakeholder towards improving public safety and the plan to close Rikers. It’s critical for all stakeholders, including Mayor Adams’ Administration, to demonstrate an equal commitment to the work necessary to close Rikers. Fulfilling the City’s legal obligation to close Rikers and shift to safer borough-based jails requires sustained investments and policy interventions that this Administration has thus far resisted and only halfheartedly advanced.

“We hope and expect the recommendations of the Independent Rikers Commission to be an opportunity for the Administration to more seriously commit to working with all stakeholders to take the steps necessary to close Rikers. Now is the time for committed action to end the public safety threat that Rikers continues to pose, improving conditions for staff and people detained in city jails alike, as well as safety in our communities.”

###