Federal Judge Moves Toward Receivership for NYC's Rikers Island

Judge Laura Taylor Swain finds New York City in contempt, citing worsening violence and neglect at the notorious jail complex.

Manhattan Federal Judge Laura Taylor Swain ruled New York City in contempt for failing to address violence, unsafe conditions, and systemic issues at Rikers Island.
The judge cited 18 violations of a 2015 consent decree that mandated reforms, noting that conditions have deteriorated with rising violence, deaths, and use of force incidents.
Swain is inclined to impose federal receivership, which would transfer control of Rikers' management to an independent authority answerable to the court.
Rikers has seen 33 in-custody deaths since 2022, with detainees and staff facing immediate threats of harm due to poor oversight and unsafe conditions.
City officials must submit a detailed receivership framework by January 14, 2025, as the federal court seeks a path to reform the troubled jail system.