By Bill Parry
A federal judge has given final approval to landmark federally mandated reforms at Rikers Island.
U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain’s decision ends four years of litigation over alleged abuses at the prison and paves the way for the installation of 8,000 surveillance cameras, a federal monitor and stricter policies governing when officers can use force.
“The settlement provides an important example for other correctional systems around the country,” the judge said, calling the settlement between the city, the Justice Department and a group of inmates “ground-breaking.”
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who joined the class action lawsuit last year, said, “For too long, a culture of violence has prevailed at Rikers Island, denying those within its walls the protection of the Constitution, rights to which all in this country, including prison inmates, are entitled.”
A city lawyer told the court that reforms are “already underway.” Commissioner Joseph Ponte, who took over the Department of Correction in April 2014, is in charge of those reforms.
“We are pleased that the judge has approved the settlement and are satisfied that it meets the interests of all parties,” Ponte said. “Our comprehensive program of reform of DOC is well underway, and we pledge to work closely with the federal monitor to further establish a culture of safety at DOC.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
