That is interesting isn't it.
I think so. Rikers Island is a jail. The inmates who populate it are almost exclusively awaiting trial and/or space in Prison (if convicted). Some are under observation pending adjudication, these men are usually the subway “crazy” people who have committed criminal acts. Some just property damage. A fair amount dangerously homicidal/suicidal etc. as an aside. That is the population I preferred to work with.
I felt I could and was able to make a difference with them.
The racial disparity has many reasons.
Making bail (or inability there of) often quite low monetarily. Some are being sweated by the DA or are refusing any plea deals until a favorable judge will deem the time they spent there is essentially time served. Some are hoping for a program (substance abuse rehabilitation under supervision etc)
There are very punitive measures imposed on the working poor. In other words, the inmates mother may be in subsidized housing that they are in danger of losing (yes it’s bad) if thier lumpin proletariat son is sent home with a felony record. Through a plea deal for instance.
The entire system is barbaric.
Having said that, anywhere between 1/3-4/5 of the inmates I virtually did my career with.
They just can’t make it on the street.
Moreover, 99% of the time thier victims are the working poor parent/child just trying to keep thier head above water. It’s a harsh truth and I’m not discounting the root causes (capitalism) but they are truly parasites who prey on those least able to get justice.
I would’ve had a happier, more fulfilling career if the inmate population where the real criminals of the 1%, but as we know, there is scarce justice, just this.
