A federal judge could determine the future of Rikers Island during a hearing Tuesday afternoon on the city's plans to reform the troubled jail amid a possible federal takeover.
Department of Correction Commissioner Louis Molina was set to appear Tuesday to provide an update on progress, which he said is"in alignment" with recommendations from the federal monitor, Steve Martin.
Anna Friedberg, Martin's deputy, cited multiple instances when legal barriers -- including city policies, existing contracts and union rules -- have stymied city reforms. She cited four areas of concern at Rikers, including security, staffing, management of incarcerated people, and accountability. "I want to first acknowledge the frustration of the performance of the department since the inception of the consent judgement," Molina said in April."My vision is to create a culture of discipline and service to those incarcerated. I truly believe the monitor and I are aligned...I assure this court, you will see change. We have not passed a point of no return. You and I together can get this done.