Federal judge considers using rare remedy to address issues in city jails, but effectiveness uncertain.
Alabama’s prison system faced severe issues in 1976, prompting a federal judge to appoint an external authority, the state governor, to address the problems. The governor oversaw significant improvements until 1989, when the system regressed, leading to federal intervention. This historical context is now under scrutiny as a federal judge considers appointing a third-party administrator, or receiver, to oversee New York City’s troubled jail system. This drastic measure is typically a last resort after exhausting other remedies, and the judge’s recent contempt ruling against the city for failing to address ongoing issues at Rikers Island indicates that a receiver may be appointed soon. Since 2015, the jail complex has been under federal monitor supervision due to escalating violence, deaths in custody, and poor management. Experts anticipate the judge’s decision to impose a receiver in the near future, given her frustration with the city’s lack of progress despite repeated warnings from the monitor. The judge has sought input from the city and detainees’ lawyers on the potential receivership, signaling that this may be the only viable solution left.
Source: The NY Times
