Federal Monitor Urges Contempt Charges for NYC Officials Over Rikers Island Jail Violence

A federal monitor overseeing New York City's jails has asked a judge to consider holding the Department of Correction and its commissioner in contempt for failing to improve conditions at Rikers Island. The monitor, Steve J. Martin, reported a "disturbing level of regression" in several areas, including investigations into staff misconduct and security issues. This is the first time the monitor has recommended contempt proceedings since being appointed in 2015. The judge will decide next month whether to initiate contempt proceedings, which could force the implementation of new policies to improve conditions.