THE FORTUNE SOCIETY STATEMENT ON THE NINTH PERSON TO DIE THIS YEAR WHILE UNDER CARE OF NYC DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

(June 22, 2022, New York, N.Y.)–The Fortune Society issued the following statement today after the most recent death of a person in the care of the New York City Department of Correction.

“The deaths of three people recently incarcerated at Rikers are tragic and unacceptable, and our thoughts are with their families at this time.

Unfortunately, deaths in our City’s jail system are no longer surprising given the systemic chaos, dysfunction, and lack of safety that have pervaded Rikers for years. These conditions have led to an astounding nine deaths this year and 16 last year at Rikers. Time at Rikers has become a potential death sentence. As routine as these terrible reports have become, we must not become numb to the deaths of our fellow New Yorkers.

The dangerous environment has been exacerbated by far too many uniformed officer posts going unstaffed for too long. The Department of Correction and the officers’ union must provide adequate staffing of all posts across Rikers to ensure safe operations and conditions, including timely access to medical and mental health treatment

We urge the Administration to take immediate action to end this pattern. We stand ready to partner with the City on improving the conditions and culture at Rikers. But first, the safety of all who report to work and all who are in custody must be assured.”