Since it opened in 1932 the main New York City jail on Rikers Island has become synonymous with the abuse and neglect of the people incarcerated there. City leaders have discussed closing the jail complex on and off since the late 1970s. But in the last few years, the idea has picked up momentum, and it got a huge boost this spring.
NY City Lens set out to shine a light on the Rikers Island Correctional Facility by talking to former prisoners and guards, historians and experts—people who know the jail intimately.
Here are their stories. >> Special Report: Killing Rikers
