The release of “compassion” Mayor Bill de Blasio from the prison on Rikers Island because the perpetrators deemed harmless had created a revolving door – because at least 110 had been recaptured.
Yes, that is only a small part of those who appear in the name of preventing corona outbreaks that escaped in prison. But the NYPD believes the number of offenders has returned to a higher level: After all, 50 inmates have returned to prison in April – just weeks after the first round of release.
Plus, a quarter of 110 face new theft charges; some of their ex-convict colleagues may still be free despite contributing to a large wave of theft in closed shops.
Oh, and its release does not prevent serious coronavirus problems on Rikers.
Increased levels of recidivism indicate that the city failed to properly check its release (even when supporters pushed for more to appear). One of them, Jerard Iamunno, allegedly robbed his victim with a knife immediately after leaving Rikers.
Some wise exemptions to protect prisoners and correction officers. But the more stringent standards are clearly in order. De Blasio’s desire to empty prison cells and celebrate them suggests, however, that doing the obvious thing to cut the wave of corona crime is the last thing on the mayor’s mind.
