New York's Most Disturbing Island | The History of Rikers Jail

Delve into the history of Rikers Island, the notorious jail complex in New York City. This video explores the origins of Rikers Island as a jail, its growth from a small facility to an overcrowded complex, and the dark issues it faces, including trash heap fires, rat infestations, and the impact on surrounding communities, especially Queens. The video highlights heroic acts, such as inmates saving plane crash victims, along with the overpopulation issues in the 1970s and the challenges faced in the 1980s. We also uncover the story of New York’s jail boat and examine the lasting effects of Rikers Island on the community and why it is considered the worst jail in America. #RikersIsland #PrisonReform #CriminalJustice #UrbanDecay #ITSHISTORY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices