A jail since 1932, with a present capacity of nearly 15,000 inmates, Rikers Island has been plagued with a deluge of allegations regarding mismanagement and Eighth Amendment violations. Finally, it will be closing. As the decarceration plan of Rikers Island unfolds, the alternative plan, based on three principles, will be to have borough-based jails operational by 2027:

• “Our jail system can be much smaller with thousands fewer people in jail

• Our jails can be safer with modern, well-designed facilities that promote dignity for those who are held, visit, and work there

• The justice system will be fairer, changing the culture inside the jails, fostering community connections, and providing greater access to services.”

Closing Rikers Island and opening borough-based jails means answering a list of daunting questions. Three major ones:

• Exactly what services will be offered in the new facilities?

• How will the new facilities ensure safety for inmates and staff?

• How much will the new facilities cost and how will those costs be managed?

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