So You Wanna Know About New York's Island Jail: A Not-So-Tropical Getaway
Ever wondered where New York City stashes its, ahem, "guests" who need a little time-out? Well, buckle up, because we're about to take a dive into the not-so-glamorous world of Rikers Island!
Island Living, Jail Style: Welcome to Rikers
Rikers Island, folks, is a whole jail complex sitting pretty on an island in the East River. Think Alcatraz with slightly less mystique and a whole lot more...well, let's just say it's not a five-star resort. Owned by the Bronx (although you can only get there from Queens, because let's be honest, bridges are expensive), Rikers Island has been the go-to spot for New York's correctional needs since 1935.
Fun Facts (that are actually not very fun) about Rikers:
- It's named after a Dutch dude named Abraham Rycken, who probably wouldn't be too thrilled about his little island's current reputation.
- Rikers wasn't always an island! Originally a measly 100 acres, the island grew thanks to...wait for it...convict labor!
- Want a ranking no city aspires to? In 2013, Rikers Island snagged a spot on the "Top 10 Worst Correctional Facilities" list. Ouch.
But hey, there's good news! As of 2024, there are plans to eventually shut down Rikers Island. Maybe it can become a bird sanctuary or a training ground for future escape artists (just kidding...mostly).
FAQ: Rikers Island Edition
How to visit Rikers Island? (Let's be honest, you probably shouldn't unless you know someone there. And by "know" we mean they're not an inmate.)
How to avoid Rikers Island? Obey the law, folks! It's a much nicer vacation spot than a jail cell.
How big is Rikers Island? Currently, it's a whopping 413 acres. That's a lot of concrete jungle.
Is Rikers Island haunted? We can't confirm ghosts, but there are definitely some chilling stories floating around.
How much does it cost to stay at Rikers Island? Well, it's not exactly a pay-to-play situation, but let's just say it's a pretty expensive stay (lost wages, legal fees, etc.).
So there you have it, folks! A crash course in New York's island jail. Remember, staying out of trouble is much more enjoyable than a stint on Rikers.
