CLOSING RIKERS

Improve the visiting process to better foster connections to family and the community

The City will improve visits to Rikers Island by renovating visit areas, training staff on department policy and community engagement, revamping protocols that encourage families with children under six to visit, and piloting expedited transportation options. Established research has shown that incarcerated people’s ability to maintain community connections, including through visits, is key to reducing reoffending. The City recently launched express shuttle buses that take visitors from central locations throughout the City directly to Rikers Island.