An NYC lawmaker has raised concerns about a potential “disaster” for the city due to a significant reduction in the number of proposed beds for mentally ill inmates at the jail being built on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.
Councilman Lincoln Restler questioned city Health and Hospital officials about their plans to address the treatment of mentally disturbed suspects once Rikers Island is closed. He pointed out that while 55% of Rikers inmates require mental health treatment, the Brooklyn detention center is only planning to have 22% of beds designated for mentally ill patients, down from the initial funding for 44% of beds.
Restler emphasized, “To go from 55% of total people needing mental health services to only 22% of the beds designed to meet their needs is a recipe for disaster.”
Recent crimes allegedly committed by individuals with a history of mental illness have further underscored the importance of adequate mental health services in the justice system.
Dr. Patsy Yang, Senior Vice President for H&H, assured that Correctional Health Services will provide necessary care in the new jails as they do on Rikers Island. However, Restler expressed concern about the limited number of beds catering to mentally ill inmates.
In 2019, the City Council approved the closure of Rikers Island by 2027, with plans to replace it with smaller detention centers in each borough except Staten Island.
Advocates believe this move will improve visitation options for families, but Mayor Adams has raised concerns about meeting the deadline. Some are advocating for a new Rikers psychiatric hospital to alleviate pressure on the jail system.
Retired NYPD detective Michael Alcazar described the current system as “broken,” citing cases like “Ice Pick Nick,” a repeat offender who was repeatedly arrested and released until facing significant charges after media inquiries.
