Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order Tuesday allowing courts to hold more hearings remotely in order to free up jail staff to help with the escalating crisis conditions at Rikers Island.
“No incarcerated person, no corrections officer, and no family member should have to endure the reality of Rikers as it exists today, and we must do everything in our power to prevent New Yorkers from languishing in Rikers awaiting their day in court,” Hochul said in a Sept. 28 statement. “While more work needs to be done collaboratively with all levels of government, this executive order is an important step to alleviate capacity concerns and help protect New Yorkers.”
