Judge D’Emic advocates for closure of Rikers Island at Bay Ridge Lawyers Association meeting

On Rikers, Judge D’Emic says: “People like us need to care”

May 8, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

BRLA President Adam Kalish presents Hon. Matthew D'Emic with a certificate of appreciation for his insightful lecture on the future of Rikers Island at the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association meeting in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

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At a recent meeting of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, Hon. Matthew D’Emic delivered a compelling address on the pressing need to close Rikers Island. His lecture, “Rikers Island: To Be or Not To Be? The Quest to Close New York City’s Jail,” highlighted the facility’s troubling history and the urgent need for its closure by August 2027, as mandated by New York City law.

Judge D’Emic traced Rikers Island’s history from its origins in the 17th century through its transformation into a workhouse in 1884, detailing its evolution into a modern-day correctional facility plagued by violence, corruption and unconstitutional conditions.

“Its history has been plagued, and I mean plagued, by violence, corruption and abhorrent conditions,” Justice D’Emic said.

During his presentation, D’Emic outlined the severe challenges faced by those incarcerated at Rikers, particularly the high percentage of pre-trial detainees, who constitute about 85% of its population. He shed light on the harsh realities for those with serious mental illnesses, addiction issues and other vulnerabilities, who often wait months or years for their trials in deplorable conditions.

To address these critical issues, Judge D’Emic proposed a shift towards a more humane and effective correctional approach. He advocated for the creation of at least 1,500 secure treatment beds in hospitals outside of Rikers, which would provide necessary mental health and substance abuse treatments in a more stable and therapeutic environment.

“We urgently require a safer, more effective approach on a scale that matches the need,” D’Emic said.

The judge also criticized the current state of progress towards opening the planned secure treatment beds, noting that none of the nearly 400 beds promised in 2022 have been made available yet. He called for immediate action and cooperation across city, state, and federal levels to ensure these facilities are operational as soon as possible.

From left: Hon. Christopher Robles; Michael Angelone Mervin Clemente; Yolanda Guadagnoli, president of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn; Y. Gail Goode and Mario Romano. — From left: Hon. Christopher Robles; Michael Angelone; Mervin Clemente; Yolanda Guadagnoli, president of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn; Y. Gail Goode and Mario Romano.

Laurence Reichman is welcomed as an official new member of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association by President Adam Kalish.

President Adam Kalish welcomes Nat Guerriera as a new member of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association.

President Adam Kalish with Brendan Mahoney.

President Adam Kalish with Jane Carbonaro Arrabito.

Michael Arianas (left) and John Mariolis.

Hon. Christopher Robles and Alexis Riley.

From left: Helen Galette, Mary Ann Stathopolous and Hon. Theresa Ciccotto.

From left: Ray Ferrier, Joseph Bova, Hon. Matthew D’Emic and Michael Benjamin.

From left: William Gillen, Christina Fratangelo and Sarah Moore.

Judge D’Emic’s lecture not only reiterated the historical and ongoing issues at Rikers Island but also framed the closure and replacement of the jail as a critical step forward in the city’s correctional and public health strategies.

“This island in the middle of the East River with only one bridge to get in and out, one bus line to service it — people like us need to care,” Judge D’Emic said in an attempt to appeal to the room full of lawyers and judges.

Judge Matthew D’Emic has been at the forefront of integrating mental health considerations into the judicial process in New York City. As the presiding judge of the Brooklyn Mental Health Court since 2002 and with roles on several task forces addressing behavioral health and criminal justice, Judge D’Emic has consistently pushed for reforms that enhance both the fairness and effectiveness of the judicial system.