The City Council’s Committee on Criminal Justice hearing shed light on the abysmal state of inmate complaint resolution at Rikers Island. Committee Chair Sandy Nurse (D-Brooklyn) emphasized the prevalence and systemic nature of sexual assault within the facility, citing an analysis that found less than 15% of grievances filed by inmates or third parties through the Department of Correction (DOC) result in a formal resolution.
The analysis also revealed a significant increase in complaints filed per 100 inmates in DOC custody since 2020, particularly among those housed in mental health observation units. Nurse stressed that the current grievance process fails to address systemic issues and resolve complaints effectively.
The hearing followed a disturbing report by Gothamist alleging a system of sexual abuse against mostly female inmates by healthcare workers and other employees on Rikers Island. The outlet’s investigation uncovered 719 lawsuits filed under the Adult Survivors Act against the city DOC or the city of New York, with plaintiffs seeking over $14.7 billion in damages for allegations of sexual abuse within the facility.
DOC officials admitted the need for reevaluation, citing their commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy for sexual assault. However, the agency’s current process lumps complaints into two categories: “grievable” for issues related to jailhouse operations and “non-grievable” for serious allegations such as assault and sexual assault. The latter category, handled by uniformed corrections officers, poses intimidation challenges for inmates.
Barbie Melendez, director of public accountability and oversight for the Board of Corrections, raised concerns about the lack of confidentiality and the absence of a tracking mechanism for complaints within the DOC. Natalie Fiorenzo, a corrections specialist, highlighted the lack of information and resolution provided to inmates who file complaints.
One chilling grievance detailed by Fiorenzo involved a brutal beating of an inmate in the presence of a jail officer who merely instructed the victim to clean himself up. Despite the complaint, the DOC dismissed it due to a missed 10-day submission deadline. In another instance, an inmate’s plea for protection from an officer’s threat of violence went unanswered by the DOC’s outside agency referral.
The hearing underscores the urgent need for systemic reform within Rikers Island’s grievance process to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of inmates.
