RIKERS Meaning and
Definition
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Rikers is a noun that refers to Rikers Island, which is a correctional facility located in the East River in New York City. Rikers Island is known for its massive jail complex, which houses various detention centers and prisons operated by the New York City Department of Correction. It is named after its original owner, Abraham Rycken, who purchased the island in the 1660s.
Rikers Island has gained notoriety as one of the largest and most well-known correctional institutions in the United States. It serves as a place of confinement for individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences, along with those in the process of being transferred to other facilities or attending court hearings. The facility houses a diverse population, including individuals accused or convicted of various crimes, such as misdemeanor offenses to more serious felony charges.
Due to its size and location, Rikers Island has faced multiple criticisms and controversies regarding the living conditions, treatment of inmates, and violence within the complex. Over the years, there have been numerous calls for reform and even recommendations to close the facility. Despite these challenges, Rikers remains an integral part of the New York City criminal justice system, albeit one that continues to generate considerable debate and scrutiny.
