Rikers Island
New York City, New York, United States
Rikers Island is New York City's main jail complex, consisting of ten jail facilities on a 413-acre island in the East River. It is one of the largest correctional institutions in the world.
At a glance
- Security / category
- Multi
- Operator
- New York City Department of Correction
- Capacity
- 10,000
- Opened
- 1932
- Type (listing)
- Male / Female / Juvenile
What type of prison is Rikers Island?
This is a Multi Male / Female / Juvenile establishment.
Overview
Rikers Island is New York City's main jail complex, consisting of ten jail facilities on a 413-acre island in the East River. It is one of the largest correctional institutions in the world.
History
Named after Abraham Rycken, the island has served as a jail complex since 1932. In 2019, the New York City Council voted to close the complex by 2026 and replace it with smaller, borough-based facilities.
Prison Life
Rikers houses mainly pretrial detainees and those serving short sentences. The complex has faced significant criticism regarding violence, neglect, and conditions. Reform efforts have been ongoing.
How to visit Rikers Island
Visitors can visit seven days a week. Walk-in visits are available but booking is recommended. Visit arrangements vary by facility, so always confirm directly before booking.
Planning a prison visit to Rikers Island
Most jurisdictions require you to book visits through an official channel, and slots can fill quickly. Read the establishment’s published visitor rules well ahead of time—ID, dress codes, and what you may bring are not standardised across sites. Expect real differences between prisons: what applies at one location may not apply at another, even within the same country.
For a step-by-step overview, read how prison visits work — then confirm every rule with the operator for this establishment.
Rikers Island facility details
Postal address and telephone lines are not listed for this profile. Use the official establishment or government prison finder for up-to-date contact details.
Where is Rikers Island located?
Rikers Island is based in New York City, in the New York area of United States. Coordinates: 40.7931, -73.8860.
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