Report: Violence Worsening At Rikers Island
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It's being called the bloodiest month at Rikers Island in 15 years.
Violence skyrocketed at the jail complex in July, when there were 21 slashings and one stabbing, all involving gang members, the New York Daily News reported.
The surge comes after new rules were put in place to try to curb the violence.
The problem, one jail insider told the Daily News, is there has been a reduction in the number of inmates in solitary confinement.
Earlier this year, Mayor Bill de Blasio opened up an enhanced supervision housing unit for the most violent criminals. The unit houses 250, but as of last Wednesday, only 63 inmates were in it.
Much of the violence has reportedly stemmed from ongoing disputes that started on the streets.
The slashings have happened in jail cells, showers and cafeterias.