\u201cThe continued deaths and violence on Rikers Island make clear that it remains unsafe for everyone there, and the relentless harm inflicted on detainees and staff alike underscores the seriousness of this crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was deeply disturbed and saddened to learn of the death of Gilberto Garcia while in custody on Rikers Island, and offer my condolences to his family, friends and community. Just like the 17 other detainees who lost their lives in our city\u2019s jails this year, he should still be alive. Yet, another family is now forced to grieve the loss of their loved one.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the same day as Gilberto\u2019s death, a Department of Correction officer was attacked and seriously injured by a detainee at the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island in an act of unacceptable violence. I send my prayers for the officer\u2019s speedy recovery and to his family. As the daughter of a former correction officer who worked on Rikers, I know the challenges faced and sacrifices made by these dedicated public servants and their families \u2013 they also deserve to be safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur city\u2019s jail system needs drastic reform, and there has unquestionably and understandably been a loss of confidence by the public and this Council that the current situation will improve without it. The Council is closely reviewing the federal monitor\u2019s new report, submitted<\/a> to federal court on Friday, and is exploring <\/a>next steps to help address the crisis on Rikers as the court\u2019s status conference approaches in the next two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cThe continued deaths and violence on Rikers Island make clear that it remains unsafe for everyone there, and the relentless harm inflicted on detainees and staff alike underscores the seriousness of this crisis.<\/p>\n \u201cI was deeply disturbed and saddened to learn of the death of Gilberto Garcia while in custody on Rikers Island, and offer my condolences to his family, friends and community.<\/p>\n …<\/p>\n