To the Editor:

It is clear that New York City alone cannot protect those held in its jails or the people who work in them. Appointing a “receiver” — a neutral expert to take over the jail system — is vital to address and remedy this crisis. We do not make this statement lightly.

For 55 years, the Fortune Society has been supporting people during custody and upon their release through direct service and advocacy. Alongside and in partnership with state and city agencies, we provide resources and policy solutions. We have watched as this crisis in our jails has grown exponentially in recent years.

The culture of dysfunction, neglect and abuse in our city jails is too deeply entrenched to be solved without creative and external intervention and authority.

We cannot stand by routine and conventional processes. Without bold and immediate action, more people in custody will die preventable deaths and more officers will remain at risk of being injured. We join the growing chorus of elected officials and advocates who call for the appointment of a receiver.

JoAnne Page
Queens
The writer is the president and C.E.O. of the Fortune Society.