NYC Lawmaker Raises Concerns Over Reduced Mental Health Beds In New Brooklyn Jail

New York City Councilman Lincoln Restler warned of a potential “disaster” after the number of beds designated for mentally ill inmates at the new Brooklyn detention center was cut in half. During a hearing on Monday, Restler questioned city Health and Hospital officials on their preparedness to treat mentally disturbed suspects once Rikers Island closes.

Restler pointed out that while 55% of inmates at Rikers require mental health treatment, the Brooklyn jail is only slated to have 22% of beds for mentally ill patients, down from the initially funded 44%. He argued, “To go from 55% of total people to having mental health designation to only 22% of the beds actually being designed to meet their needs is a recipe for disaster.”

The concerns come amid a series of shocking crimes allegedly committed by serial offenders with a history of mental illness. Dr. Patsy Yang Senior Vice President for H&H said, “Correctional Health Services will provide what it needs to provide in the setting that it does.” But Restler emphasized the vast disconnect between the needs and the planned facilities.

In 2019, the City Council approved closing Rikers by 2027, with an $8.7 billion project to replace it with smaller detention centers in each borough except Staten Island. However, since Mayor Eric Adams took office he has repeatedly raised doubts about meeting the deadline.