Brooklyn Defenders Statement in Response to Reporting on Abuse of Incarcerated New Yorkers with Mental Illness at Rikers Island

Brooklyn Defender Services released the following statement in response to a new report that the Department of Correction (“DOC”) is routinely “locking-in” and denying access to mental health treatment to New Yorkers with mental illness who are incarcerated at Rikers Island:

“Three years ago, we filed a class action lawsuit against DOC over its long and persistent failure to provide access to medical care and mental health treatment to New Yorkers incarcerated at Rikers Island. Since then, DOC’s denial of access to care has only worsened, with dangerous and deadly results. The latest accounting from a former social worker at Rikers Island contributes to a horrifying pattern of abuse that people we represent have long reported to us."

"It is beyond appalling that people with mental illness are routinely locked into cells —in units that are supposedly specialized for mental health treatment— where they are isolated, denied access to essential medical care, and caused to decompensate. These ‘lock-ins’ are not documented by DOC, an abuse without a trace and in violation of city rules. We commend Ms. Rzewinski for coming forward and bringing this to light."

Read the full statement here.