With recent convictions of several guards at the Rikers Island prison, we asked readers their thoughts on the troubled prison and its suspected culture of corruption.

I’ve been at Rikers before and it’s not a good place. I was held there for like two days and what I saw in those two days, it’s not good. And I feel like they need to stop all of it. Shut the whole thing down. They should move all the prisoners out and build up a whole new jail with a whole new staff, everything. They have female COs bringing in contraband to people that are locked up, and that should not be happening and that’s why people are getting hurt.
Jarad Searles
Norwood

I don’t know if this is widespread, but the way I understand it is the prisoners are getting a lot of drugs by the guards bringing in stuff. I know they implemented some more stringent measures where they (guards) can’t opt out from being searched. They’re probably not doing enough because they’re still doing it. Another problem is it’s so overpopulated because our government is really silly about who they incarcerate. Personal drug use should not land you in jail.
Ralph Martell
Norwood

How do you stop the corruption? That’s a good question. I don’t want to say more security, because the staff is causing as much problems as the inmates. It’s a tough question. Maybe better background checks, find out where they’re coming from. I think of Rikers Island and I think stabbings, there’s a lot of stabbings there, COs having sex with the inmates and the food in there is terrible. They also shouldn’t put young kids in with violent offenders.
Michael Lastra
Bedford Park

The solution is that wherever the crime is they need to stop it. First they need to take action. It’s not only about the person going to jail and eating three times and coming back outside and doing the same crime. They need to stop the drugs from coming into the country. You can’t stop the people from doing it, so you need to stop them bringing it in. That’s how we can make the environment clean and we’ll be good… criminals aren’t afraid of Rikers Island.
Ali Faizan
Parkchester

They should treat people the way people need to be treated, especially the inmates. The way they treat them should be with dignity. And just do the right thing. The officers shouldn’t have to get hit or be punished for the inmates and vice-versa.
Maria Claudio
Morris Park