Advocates call for early closure of Rikers Island

Human rights and prison reform advocates came together on the steps of City Hall in downtown Manhattan Monday to celebrate a milestone in their mission to close Rikers Island.
This year marks the third anniversary of a grassroots campaign that exposed the poor treatment and living conditions within the city jail.
Advocates say since the start of the movement, tremendous strides have been made to close Rikers, including removing 16- and 17-year-olds from the jail.
Plans are in the works to close the 400-acre complex in 2027, but advocates are calling for Rikers Island to close within three years.