Rikers Island

Rikers Island is a large jail complex located in New York City, serving as the city’s primary detention center for individuals awaiting trial or sentencing. It houses thousands of inmates, many of whom have not yet been convicted of a crime. Known for its challenging conditions and controversies over inmate treatment and safety, Rikers has been the focus of advocacy for reform. The facility is due to close in the coming years, with plans to replace it with smaller, neighborhood-based jails aimed at improving the criminal justice process and supporting community ties.