SENATOR KLEIN TOURS RIKERS ISLAND, VISITING THE BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S PROSECUTION UNIT & JAIL FACILITY THAT HOUSES ADOLESCENT MALES

Senator Klein, joined by Bronx DA Darcel D. Clark and DOC Commissioner Joseph Ponte, announced $100,000 in funding for the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau

Bronx, NY - Senator Klein, accompanied by Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and DOC Commissioner Joseph Ponte, visited the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, where Klein was briefed on how his $100,000 funding allocation helped equip the Bronx DA satellite office. The state funding was used to provide two work vehicles for the bureau’s staff, computer equipment and security enhancements for their office.

“I am proud to have secured $100,000 in state funding for the Bronx DA's Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau. It was an honor to visit the unit, where I got to see the wheels of justice spinning before my eyes. I applaud Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, who upon her inauguration, made opening this crucial unit a priority of hers. This bureau truly is a key component to reforming Rikers Island, making the grounds safer for our hardworking DOC workers who maintain order day in and day out," said State Senator Jeff Klein.

“We are grateful to Senator Klein for his assistance in outfitting the bureau, which opened last September. His funding has enabled us to have a safe, secure and efficient environment for our staff as they work to prosecute crimes committed on Rikers Island,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “The grant went to the purchase of two vehicles which the staff needs to respond to jail facilities on the Island and to travel to and from Bronx courts, as well as for computer and other office equipment. It was also used for crucial security implementations as recommended by NYPD’s Technical Assistance Response Unit.”

The Bureau opened last September under the leadership of Bronx DA Clark, who made it a priority to establish a physical presence on Rikers Island. The Bureau consists of a team of assistant district attorneys, investigators and administrative support staff. The office speeds up the prosecutions of jailhouse crimes, promoting a safer environment on the Island.

Following the funding announcement on Friday, March 17, Senator Klein was given a tour by DOC staff of The Robert N. Davoran Center, which houses 16- and 17-year-old males. Senator Klein is a lead proponent of Raise the Age legislation, which would raise the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18.