The cost of detaining inmates at Rikers Island has been on the rise, with overtime expenses for correction officers increasing significantly under the administration of Mayor Eric Adams. A recent report from the city’s Independent Budget Office revealed that taxpayers had to shell out over $270 million in overtime costs alone last year. The daily cost to house a detainee at Rikers has also doubled over the past decade, now totaling $629 per detainee per day, excluding medical expenses.
Despite a 45% decrease in the number of detainees and a 24% drop in the number of uniformed officers at Rikers, the budget for the Department of Correction has remained stagnant when adjusted for inflation. This is primarily due to the high overtime costs, which amounted to $116 million, offsetting the savings from reduced regular salaries. The detainee-to-staff ratio at Rikers is currently at 1-to-1, significantly higher than the national average of 4-to-1 for jails.
In addition to overtime costs, spending on outside contracts has also surged from $13 million to $90 million, covering emergency repairs, replacement of broken cell doors, and new initiatives like addiction treatment services, parenting classes, and vocational training. These expenses are necessary due to the deteriorating conditions at the aging jails, which are slated to be replaced by four new city jails within the next three years.
The report concluded that further reductions in the detainee population or staffing levels at Rikers may not necessarily lead to cost savings unless better management practices are implemented. The city could potentially redirect funds from the Department of Correction to community-based programs for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, if costs are lowered by reducing the number of detainees.
Despite the findings of the report, representatives from the Department of Correction have not yet responded to requests for comments on the matter. Moving forward, it will be crucial for city officials to address the escalating costs of detention at Rikers Island, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of both detainees and correctional staff. By implementing strategic cost-saving measures and investing in alternative programs, the city can work towards a more efficient and humane criminal justice system.