A group of advocates blasted a plan Wednesday that would create a new supersecure unit for Rikers Island’s 250 most dangerous prisoners.
The planned Enhanced Supervision Unit would allow prisoners to be kept in cells for 17 hours a day, among other restrictions.
Opponents charge the proposal violates inmates’ rights. “This is so egregious,” said Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Queens).
Susan Goodwillie of the Jails Action Coalition said it would “perpetuate the same pattern of punitive segregation that has fostered the very violence that they are seeking to change.”
The plan has to be approved by the Board of Correction.
“We have a duty to protect other inmates and staff from the small number of inmates who are responsible for most of the violence in our jails,” said a spokesman for the Department of Correction.
“We hope to schedule some time with the Jail Action Coalition to discuss their concerns.”
