The Rikers Island is spread over an area of 1600 km2. It is considered as the largest panel colony in the world as an ill famed jail is located on this island. Almost one hundred and thirty thousand prisoners are housed in this jail every year.

A large sum is spent by the New York City Department of Correction to manage the prison on Rikers Island. The estimated sum of money that is spent by state department is more than $850 million and majority of this sum is spent on paying the salary of the police officers and civilians working on the Island. More than ten thousand police officers working on the Rikers Island.

History

The island was once owned by a Dutch, named Abraham Rycken who sold the island to the state of New York City in 1700s, for $1, 83,000. After the city took over the island, the construction was begun immediately and the prison was finally built in 1884.

In 1950, the state felt that the land was insufficient so they ass more landfill to the island. With the growing volume of crimes in the city, the number of prisoners began to increase, so the state decided to construct new facilities on 800 bed barge on the East River.

Rikers Island Facilities

Riker Island is no way less than a city as it features comprehensive facilities. Over twenty thousand people live on the island. There are ten prisons on the island and most of them are built in last seventy years. Each prison is classified into different section or categories according to the criminals, i.e. each prison houses specific type of criminals. A number of jails are situated in the original Staten Island ferry.

Some special case prisoners are held in Rikers Island. To make it clear, the prisoners that are undergoing drug rehabilitation program or ill and sick prisoners that need medical or health treatment.

For the convenience of the visitors and worker, many shops and clinics are built on the island. Supermarket, barbershop and many other facilities are available easily on the Rikers Island.

Reaching Rikers Island

It is not difficult to reach the Rikers Island. You can use public transport to access the island such as bus, taxi cabs or subway train. If you want to take the bus, Q101 Express bus will pick you up from 27th and 28th Street and finally stops at 19th avenue.

You can also drive your car to Rikers Island, but due to lack of parking space it is not recommended. Family members who wish to visit jail, the Correction Department will responsible for providing ferry services to them.

Rikers Island NYC

Ricers Island is a beautiful landscape part of the New York City. However, hidden from the public, it is the first place you can view when flying into La Guardia Airport.