New York’s next chief judge has the ability to address documented shortcomings in policies on pretrial reform, the right to a speedy trial, racial equity, and the dangerous and traumatic environment on Rikers Island, where as many as 18 inmates have died during the first 10 months of the year, criminal justice scholars at John Jay College said Wednesday.

The report came as the time draws near for a blue-ribbon commission to send a list of candidates to lead the Court of Appeals to Gov. Kathy Hochul.