Rikers Critics Urge US Takeover of NYC Jail as Deaths Continue

New York City’s Rikers Island jail complex is on pace to exceed last year’s number of deaths in custody, and some advocates and officials say it’s time for a federal judge to appoint a third party to run the troubled facilities.

The city’s Department of Correction is under a court mandate to reform Rikers, but critics say there are few signs of progress in the seven years since the shakeup was ordered: The system continues to struggle with violence, allegations of abuse and neglect of prisoners, high absenteeism among staff, and other issues.

“I think the court has been extremely patient. I think the federal monitor ...