Report: Vermin infestation and unsanitary conditions inside Rikers Island

The data-backed report from the Office of Compliance Consultants details plumbing, ventilation and fire safety issues. It also documents that there are insufficient cleaning supplies to deal with the rodent and insect infestation in the jails.

Marisa Marcellino

Nov 11, 2023, 1:10 AM

Updated 377 days ago

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A court-appointed federal monitor released a progress report about conditions inside Rikers Island from May to August 2023.
The data-backed report from the Office of Compliance Consultants details plumbing, ventilation and fire safety issues. It also documents that there are insufficient cleaning supplies to deal with the rodent and insect infestation in the jails.
The Legal Aid Society says this report shows a pattern of neglect by the Department of Correction and makes it clear how important it is that Rikers Island closes. According to city law, Rikers Island is supposed to close by 2027 and be replaced by borough-based jails.
News 12 reached out to the Department of Correction for a statement on the report but have not heard back yet.