Safety improvements coming to Rikers Island

New reforms are coming to Rikers Island to address safety concerns among corrections officers. Mayor Bill de Blasio and the head of the Corrections Department announced the upgrades Thursday at a news

News 12 Staff

Sep 2, 2016, 6:31 AM

Updated 2,793 days ago

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Safety improvements coming to Rikers Island
New reforms are coming to Rikers Island to address safety concerns among corrections officers.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and the head of the Corrections Department announced the upgrades Thursday at a news conference, with technology being the main talking point.
Technology upgrades include contraband scanners and Tasers. The mayor says the scanners will be similar to what airports use. He also says the Tasers will be used to break up small fights and prevent officers from having to wrestle inmates to the ground.
De Blasio adds that he understands the concerns of loved ones and civil rights activists regarding the upgrades, but says safety of security personnel is the top priority.


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