Reports of Sexual Abuse Against Rikers Inmates Rise

At a city council hearing Thursday, medical staff at Rikers Island said 118 incidents of alleged sexual assault or harassment against inmates were reported to health providers so far this year.

"I think that the number of cases is alarming," said Doctor Homer Venters from the Bureau of Correctional Health.

According to health officials, in the first quarter alone, there were 56 sexual assault reports made and in 40 of those incidents, inmates accused correction officers of abusing them.

Medical staff said the reports are given to the city's Department of Correction and Department of Investigation, which are responsible for following up.

At the council hearing, Nichole Adams, Deputy Commissioner of Health Affairs for the Department of Correction, said that when an officer is accused, all contact is cut off with the alleged victim, but depending on the allegation, the officer could continue to work in the jail. 

"So someone has been accused of potentially raping an individual and they are still allowed to work with inmates while an investigation is going on?" asked an incredulous Corey Johnson, a Manhattan councilman who chairs the health committee.  

Adams said it was up to the discretion of a high ranking correction official to decide what to do with an officer who is accused of sexual misconduct. She could not say how long the average investigation takes but said the department acts immediately and supports the alleged victims.