New York City was found in contempt this week over jail conditions at locations across the city, a judge ruled.
The ruling comes nearly a decade after the city reached a settlement over allegations of abuse and violence, with the judge noting the situation has only worsened since then.
The Judge's Ruling
In a written decision, Manhattan-based Judge Laura Taylor Swain found New York City in contempt on 18 separate counts, underscoring the city's failure to address persistent issues in its jail system.
The ruling originated from a 2012 lawsuit filed by the Legal Aid Society and other advocates that alleged the New York City's Department of Correction routinely used excessive and unnecessary force in its jail facilities.
Although the city reached a settlement and consent decree in October 2015, the judge noted that jail conditions have deteriorated significantly over the past decade.
"The use of force rate and other rates of violence, self-harm, and deaths in custody are demonstrably worse than when the Consent Judgment went into effect," Judge Swain wrote in her ruling. "As the record in this case demonstrates, the current rates of use of force, stabbings and slashings, fights, assaults on staff, and in-custody deaths remain extraordinarily high, and there has been no substantial reduction in the risk of harm currently facing those who live and work in the Rikers Island jails."
Swain directed all parties involved to collaborate on developing a plan to address the issues within the coming weeks.
The Associated Press' requests for comment from the Department of Correction and the Legal Aid Society were not immediately returned.
Past Efforts Against NYC Jails
A year ago, inmate advocacy groups urged the judge to hold the city in contempt and to appoint a federal receiver to take over management of the jail system.
Advocates argued that correction officers continue to employ banned practices, including chokeholds, body slams and head strikes, as well as using force against individuals who are already restrained.
The advocates contended that the Department of Correction's leadership has repeatedly disregarded recommendations from an independent monitor and has failed to implement measures to address ongoing abuses.
Swain's Action Against Rikers Island
In September, Judge Swain ordered New York City officials to start formulating a plan for the potential federal receivership of Rikers Island.
Swain mandated that city officials draft a "leadership reform plan" by November 12. The plan was to outline the framework for appointing an independent receiver, detailing the scope of their authority, responsibilities, and qualifications to oversee the city's jail system.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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