Holiday Gifts for Rikers Prisoners Often Lost or Delayed
As Christmas approaches, families across New York are rushing to send holiday packages to their loved ones on Rikers Island. While some items such as winter clothes and books may eventually reach the recipients, many others get caught up in a complex and often arbitrary mail system that leaves prisoners without essentials during the coldest months of the year.
According to public defenders, including Brooklyn Defender Services' Rebecca Kinsella and New York County Defender Services' Natalie Fiorenzo, there is a disturbing trend of packages being delayed for months or even lost entirely. These delays are not limited to prohibited items such as cellphones or medications but also include innocuous items like books, colored pencils, and even winter clothes.
Despite the Department of Correction's claims that Rikers Island is a "secure environment," the reality on the ground is far from it. The department's own policies appear to be outdated and often at odds with what officers enforce, leading to confusion and frustration for families who are trying to get packages delivered.
The problem is compounded by a lack of transparency and accountability within the department. When items are rejected without explanation, they are rarely returned or donated. Instead, they are either destroyed or simply lost in limbo.
For those working with prisoners, including attorneys like Michael Klinger at Brooklyn Defender Services, this issue is not just frustrating but also financially devastating. "We are talking about items that are meant to meet the needs of clients during the freezing cold months when the housing areas are not properly heated," said Aguinaga of Bronx Defenders.
As the holiday season approaches, families and advocates alike will be watching with great interest to see if the department can improve its handling of mail at Rikers Island. Until then, many prisoners will continue to go without essential items they need to stay warm and safe during the cold winter months.
As Christmas approaches, families across New York are rushing to send holiday packages to their loved ones on Rikers Island. While some items such as winter clothes and books may eventually reach the recipients, many others get caught up in a complex and often arbitrary mail system that leaves prisoners without essentials during the coldest months of the year.
According to public defenders, including Brooklyn Defender Services' Rebecca Kinsella and New York County Defender Services' Natalie Fiorenzo, there is a disturbing trend of packages being delayed for months or even lost entirely. These delays are not limited to prohibited items such as cellphones or medications but also include innocuous items like books, colored pencils, and even winter clothes.
Despite the Department of Correction's claims that Rikers Island is a "secure environment," the reality on the ground is far from it. The department's own policies appear to be outdated and often at odds with what officers enforce, leading to confusion and frustration for families who are trying to get packages delivered.
The problem is compounded by a lack of transparency and accountability within the department. When items are rejected without explanation, they are rarely returned or donated. Instead, they are either destroyed or simply lost in limbo.
For those working with prisoners, including attorneys like Michael Klinger at Brooklyn Defender Services, this issue is not just frustrating but also financially devastating. "We are talking about items that are meant to meet the needs of clients during the freezing cold months when the housing areas are not properly heated," said Aguinaga of Bronx Defenders.
As the holiday season approaches, families and advocates alike will be watching with great interest to see if the department can improve its handling of mail at Rikers Island. Until then, many prisoners will continue to go without essential items they need to stay warm and safe during the cold winter months.
, this is literally a nightmare for fams tryin' to send packages 2 their loved ones on Rikers! How r u s'posed 2 keep ppl warm n safe wen packages r gettin delayed or lost? It's like, they got policies in place but they don't actually work 
. I feel 4 the fams who r tryin 2 get these essentials 2 their ppl & r runnin into all this red tape. Can we pls just get a clear system in place here? 
, i cant believe ppl r having 2 send their loved ones presents n it gets lost or delayed 
, its like rikers island isnt even tryin 2 be a place where ppl can stay safe n warm during the holidays 
, n then u gotta think about all the ppl who are gettin hit hard by this - prisoners r already goin thru so much, they dont need their fam 2 worry bout gettin gifts 2 them 
, its time 4 the department 2 step up their game & get things sorted out ASAP 
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. We need more transparency and accountability in place to make sure people in Rikers get the support they deserve 
.
and we gotta feel for them & their families 
its not like they're asking 4 fancy things, just basic necessities like warm clothes or a good book. and what really grinds me is that the dept doesnt even wanna acknowledge the problem or give any info on whats goin on behind closed doors 
transparency matters here!
it's just not right that ppl r strugglin to get christmas gifts 2 their loved ones in Rikers Prison. families r tryin but the system is just so messed up 
it's also super frustrating cuz there's no transparency & accountability at all 
Can you believe people are more worried about sending gifts to their BFFs on the inside than actually getting them some decent socks? I mean, Rikers Island is no Holiday Inn... or should I say, it's like a holiday hotel where your loved ones have to freeze their buns off! 
But seriously, what's up with these mail delays and lost packages?! It's like trying to send a letter to a prisoner in a different galaxy 
. Maybe they can just add 'package delivery' to the list of things that require better infrastructure... 
. I mean, what's with the system at Rikers Prison? It's like they're trying to make things harder for families who just want to show their love and care through gifts. Newsflash: books and colored pencils aren't gonna bring you warmth or comfort when it's freezing outside 
. And can't they just be more transparent about what's going on with the packages? I mean, if something gets rejected without a reason, why not at least try to return it? It's just a whole lot of bureaucratic red tape 
It's insane that families are gettin' played like this! I mean, come on, it's Christmas and people are tryin' to send their loved ones some decent gifts and you're just gonna delay or lose 'em? Like, what's the point of even havin' a mail system if you're just gonna mess with it that badly? 
I mean, what's the point of sending a care package if it's gonna sit in limbo for months? 
And have you seen those housing areas on Rikers? They're not exactly cozy 
Guess we'll just have to keep an eye on things and hope they make some changes soon 
. And don't even get me started on the lack of transparency - if something goes missing, you're just left with nothing but a big fat mystery 
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- You know what's crazy? A system that's supposed to be all about keeping people safe ends up losing them basic necessities in the process 
The way they're handling mail at Rikers Island is just...broken 
, and families trying to get them stuff they need 
It's like, I get it, security is a thing, but come on! Can't we find a way to make it work for everyone? 
. The lack of transparency is super frustrating too 
. We need some changes ASAP! 
