Andrew Yang Supports Closing Rikers Island. Former NYCDOC Captain Warns….’It Would Be a Monumental Mistake’
By Gary Glennell Toms
On May 3, Matthew Fogg, a retired Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal with 32 years of public service, and Captain Willie Young, who retired from the New York City Department of Corrections (NYCDOC) in 2016, appeared on From The G-Man’s sister site, The G-Man Interviews, to reveal what officers in the NYCDOC allegedly told them regarding upper-level management, questionable behavior by fellow officers, and racist policies and employment practices that have become commonplace within the department.
The former law enforcement officials also explained what they believed were the main reasons why the NYCDOC, particularly Rikers Island, and detention facilities throughout the country were “powder kegs waiting to explode.” The episode went viral in a matter of hours and is still the number one trending news report on this site.
Several days after the exclusive was published, the New York Daily News reported that NYCDOC Commissioner Cynthia Brann was resigning and would serve until May 31. On May 13, sources within the NYCDOC informed From The G-Man that at least two other high ranking officials were allegedly stepping down as well. Brann and three other officials were named by Captain Young during the interview.
1010 WINS recently reported …..”New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang said he’d back closing Rikers Island if we were elected mayor but said it was ‘tough’ for him to commit to a specific timeline.”
According to the report, Yang stated….“I support closing Rikers Island as soon as we can. It’s a stain on the city. It’s inhumane. It’s incredibly costly. It’s inefficient. It’s not doing what it’s supposed to do.”
In the wake of the 1010 WINS report, From The G-Man contacted Captain Young to obtain comments on Yang’s position regarding Rikers Island. He provided the following statement.
Captain Willie Young, Shield #526
“I believe closing Rikers Island would be a monumental mistake. Rikers Island isn’t the problem. The problem is management! Here are three major reasons why closing the facility is a really bad idea. First of all, Rikers Island provides an added layer of security because of the fact that it’s surrounded by water. Inmates have unsuccessfully attempted escape, and others would not temp fate by trying to swim against the strong currents. Whereas in the borough jails, the only thing that separates inmates from freedom is doors. Secondly, contraband can easily be accessed in borough jails from pedestrian sidewalks. How? Inmates can lower pieces of string out of windows to awaiting civilians, who then tie drugs or weapons on it. This is a common occurrence at the Manhattan House of Detention. Thirdly, why spend billions on a new facility? Rikers Island is comprised of brick, mortar and steel. It knows nothing about management. That money should be spent for upgrading the jails and acquiring managers who have exceptional knowledge and experience in this line of work. These are just a few reasons why I believe Rikers should remain open.”