New York City, NY: An inmate almost strangled a female correction officer on Rikers Island Friday night, following a previous incident where another inmate assaulted a female guard.
The prisoners’ brutal attacks resulted in injuries and shattered mental states for both women.
On Friday, a 33-year-old correction officer expressed concerns about going back to the violent jail following an incident where David Rhinehart, an alleged Crips gang member, grabbed her by the throat.
Despite her resistance, the inmate, who was 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, overcame her, she recounted. Three prisoners managed to pull Rhinehart away from the struggling officer, who was taken to the hospital later, as claimed.
Currently, the officers, along with the union that represents them, are advocating to lift the prohibition on using solitary confinement as a disciplinary measure for the most aggressive prisoners.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams criticized for new law on inmate segregation. The correction officer who was punched last month expressed concern that the inmate who attacked her would not face any consequences.
In January, Mayor Eric Adams vetoed a bill regarding solitary confinement, stating that it could increase the risk for both inmates and staff in jails.
However, the City Council disregarded his concerns and voted to override the veto on Jan. 30.
New York City implemented a new policy in June 2019 that prohibited solitary confinement, where prisoners were confined to their cells for 23 hours a day.