Federal Monitor Calls for Contempt Proceedings Against NYC Over Continued Dysfunction and Violence in Rikers Jail System

The federal monitor overseeing Rikers jail reforms states that the city has failed to adequately address ongoing harm to inmates and staff.
The monitor recommends holding the city and Department of Correction in contempt for lack of progress in implementing court-ordered changes.
Conditions at Rikers remain unsanitary and violent, with high rates of assaults, stabbings, and use of force by correctional staff.
The dynamics at Rikers have shifted due to COVID-19 and bail reform, resulting in more violent offenders concentrated in the jail complex.
The possibility of a federal takeover of the troubled Rikers jail system is under consideration due to the city's failure to enact meaningful reforms.