A federal judge has removed New York City’s authority over Rikers Island, placing the troubled jail under the control of an outside official. The decision follows years of escalating violence, dysfunction, and the city’s failure to implement mandated reforms.
Judge Laura Taylor Swain issued the ruling on Tuesday, establishing the position of a “remediation manager” who will report directly to the court and hold significant authority over the jail’s operations. This manager will not be a city employee and will operate independently from the mayor’s office, effectively removing oversight from Mayor Eric Adams.
The appointed official will have broad powers to enforce changes, including decisions related to staff deployment, disciplinary actions, and safety protocols. While expected to work with the city’s correction commissioner, the manager will be empowered to take all necessary steps to correct systemic issues. Judge Swain emphasized the need for ongoing, measurable progress.
The federal intervention comes nearly a decade after the city entered into a settlement agreement requiring reforms to reduce violence against inmates and correction officers. Despite years of federal monitoring, the jail’s conditions have reportedly deteriorated, prompting calls from legal advocates and the court monitor for stronger action.
Attorneys representing detainees have long criticized the Department of Correction for failing to enforce court-ordered reforms. They described the judge’s decision as a pivotal moment in efforts to address the chronic problems plaguing Rikers Island.
The ruling places Rikers among a small group of jails placed under federal control since the 1970s. The remediation manager must now develop and implement a detailed plan to bring the facility into compliance with constitutional standards. This includes improving safety, reducing violence, and ensuring that reforms are not delayed or obstructed by city bureaucracy.
