A court-appointed monitor has called for contempt proceedings against New York City due to the worsening situation at Rikers Island jail complex. This move could potentially lead to a federal takeover of the jail system, a scenario strongly opposed by Mayor Eric Adams. The monitor's report, filed in Manhattan federal court, alleges that the city has failed to adhere to court orders designed to address violence and mismanagement within the facility.

This development follows a federal judge's recent indication of considering receivership for the jail, a drastic measure that would strip New York City of its control. A final decision from the judge is expected next month. The nearly 300-page report details a significant decline in conditions since the city committed to an action plan last June. Monitor Steve Martin criticized the Department of Correction's lack of cooperation and its failure to acknowledge the severity of the problems, stating that the pace of reform has stalled, leaving inmates and staff vulnerable to violence and excessive force.

Advocates for detainees view federal intervention as crucial to curbing the violence at Rikers, where 19 deaths occurred last year – the highest number in 25 years. A contempt finding is seen as a potential precursor to federal receivership. While Mayor Adams has emphasized his administration's progress in improving conditions, including a decrease in slashings and staff absences, concerns remain about transparency within the jail. The monitor has highlighted several unreported violent incidents, including a detainee death initially attributed to a heart attack but later revealed to be caused by a skull fracture, and another incident involving a detainee paralyzed after an altercation with correction officers. These failures to report serious incidents raise doubts about the accuracy of reporting and the commitment to transparency within the Department of Correction.