Statement from The Fortune Society in reaction to the retirement of Commissioner Joseph Aponte

JoAnne Page, President and CEO of The Fortune Society, issued the following statement in reaction to the retirement of Commissioner Joseph Ponte:

“As Joe Ponte leaves his post as the New York City Commissioner of Correction, The Fortune Society would like to recognize some of the improvements made with the support of Mayor de Blasio, during his tenure.

These include: the policy decision to end solitary confinement for men and women under the age of 22; increasing structured programming and services provided by outside organizations like The Fortune Society; and planning for reentry upon incarceration.

These much-needed reforms notwithstanding, The Fortune Society urges the Mayor to follow a three-part Rikers’ strategy: dramatically reduce the population of Rikers Island; improve the deplorable and inhumane conditions; and implement the recommendations of the Lippman Commission to close Rikers as soon as possible.

Progress must be made on all three fronts.”