The situation is pretty grim in American prisons. I can absolutely believe two cameras were totally busted and one bothered to fix them

Rikers Island’s Deplorable Conditions: A federal monitor’s report revealed unsanitary conditions at Rikers, including showers covered in mildew, infestations of roaches and flies, and broken fire safety systems. Veronica Vela of the Legal Aid Society described the jails as “rife with abuse and violence” and emphasized that these conditions reflect a lack of prioritization for humane treatment[2]. Judge Laura Taylor Swain also criticized the worsening violence, self-harm, and deaths in custody, calling the conditions “abnormal and unacceptable”[5].

• Deaths and Overcrowding: In 2025, Rikers recorded its first death of the year, adding to a grim tally of 34 deaths since 2021. Eighty-six percent of detainees are held pretrial, presumed innocent, yet subjected to overcrowded and dangerous conditions. Advocates have called for urgent reforms to meet the legal obligation to close Rikers by 2027[8].

• Human Rights Crisis: Over 80% of Rikers detainees have not been convicted but endure degrading conditions. Advocates like Keli Young from VOCAL-NY demand investments in housing and alternatives to incarceration to address systemic issues[9].

• Calls for Federal Oversight: Amid these crises, advocates argue for federal receivership to improve safety and accountability. However, city officials have resisted such oversight despite mounting evidence of systemic failures[2][5].

Citations: [1] Bureau Of Prisons: 2024 Year In Review And Outlook for 2025 https://www.prisonology.com/blog/bureau-of-prisons-2024-year-in-review-and-outlook-for-2025 [2] New Rikers Island report reveals graphic details about unsanitary … https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-rikers-island-report-reveals-graphic-details-about-unsanitary-conditions-fire-safety-and-ventilation-systems/ [3] Rikers Island, one of America’s most notorious jails, is now one of its … https://www.yahoo.com/news/rikers-island-one-of-americas-most-notorious-jails-is-now-one-of-its-deadliest-090043078.html [4] Bipartisan Criminal Justice Policies for 2025 and Beyond https://www.justiceactionnetwork.org/federal-policy-agenda-2025 [5] Judge holds NYC in contempt over worsening conditions at Rikers … https://www.corrections1.com/rikers-correctional-facility/judge-holds-nyc-in-contempt-over-worsening-conditions-at-rikers-says-federal-takeover-likely [6] A View Inside Rikers from People Who Know it Best - NYCLU https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/s2-ep-3-a-view-inside-rikers-from-people-who-know-it-best [7] Deal Reached to End Illegal Strike by New York State Prison … https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-02-28/deal-reached-to-end-illegal-strike-by-new-york-state-prison-workers-governor-says [8] First Confirmed Jail Death of 2025 Brings New York City’s Total to 34… https://www.vera.org/news/nyc-jail-deaths [9] [It’s] a Torture Chamber: Stories from Rikers Island - Vera Institute https://www.vera.org/its-a-torture-chamber