In light of recent reports of frequent and unprosecuted violence at Rikers Island, Assembly Member O’Donnell called today on Governor Cuomo to appoint Attorney General Eric Schneiderman as a special prosecutor to investigate all cases originating at the jail complex. Announcing his letter to the Governor, Assembly Member O’Donnell said:

I call on Governor Cuomo to appoint Attorney General Eric Schneiderman as a special prosecutor to handle all cases of violence occurring on Rikers Island, both committed by inmates and committed by jail personnel.

The Department of Justice’s recent report on the high level of violence at Rikers Island brought before the public eye a culture of violence that has been unfortunately well-known to many of the people who are familiar with the jail. Rikers is clearly a walking human rights violation, and the Bronx District Attorney’s office has failed to address the epidemic. In fact, the New York Times recently reported that of over 125 cases of officer-on-inmate violence that they reviewed, not one was prosecuted. Also of immense concern is the escalating level of inmate-on-staff and inmate-on-guard violence.

If we do not protect the inmates and personnel on Rikers Island, we are allowing both convicted criminals and those hired to deal with them to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment on a regular basis. It is imperative that this situation be addressed without delay.

Assembly Member O’Donnell’s letter, mailed today, requests that Governor Cuomo appoint Attorney General Schneiderman as a special prosecutor for Rikers Island, pursuant to the Governor’s authority under section 63 of the Executive Law.