Following the Independent Rikers Commission 2.0’s report on the pathways the City and other stakeholders must take to close Rikers Island and ensure a successful transition to a borough-based jail system, Speaker Adrienne Adams issued the following statement.

“For decades, Rikers Island has been a stain on our city and a detriment to our collective safety. The consistent levels of violence on Rikers and its use as a de facto mental health facility has made closing the jails not only legally required, but a moral imperative and a safety priority. I am thankful to the Independent Rikers Commission 2.0, led by Judge Lippman, for agreeing to my call for their reinstatement to work with both sides of City Hall to provide clarity on the pathway to closing Rikers. While success requires partnership and close collaboration from many stakeholders, our city’s mayoral administration must be willing to take concrete action steps and dedicate resources required to implement this blueprint, so another viable plan does not go unfulfilled. There is no shortcut to the work ahead, and there can be no discussions about the legal closure date without these types of commitments from the Administration. The Council remains deeply committed to closing Rikers and ensuring it is replaced with an effective borough-based jail system that is safer for all New Yorkers.”

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