Is There A Criminal In The House?

The Brooklyn House of Detention, located on Atlantic Avenue, is reopening after being closed for five years. Neighbors are none too glad to see it back. Mayor Bloomberg plans to reopen the facility with almost the double the bed capacity to 1,469 cots. The city closed the prison because it was bad for the area’s rejuvenation. Those who bought into the rejuvenating neighborhood and those who were planning to buy, will undoubtedly oppose this new jail in court. The facility is due to open in 2012. It will be used to house inmates with sentences of less than one year. A Correction Department spokesperson said they’re firmly committed to the project, believing it’s a great thing for the criminal justice system. With the new Nu Hotel across the way, one wonders if their guests who pay over $300 for a room will enjoy hearing Jailhouse Rock when they shut their eyes

Rikers Rule Change Riles Jailers

Amidst rumors that some Rikers Island prison guards gave preferential treatment to inmates, New York City's Correction Department has ordered that all guards be thoroughly frisked when they arrive at work. This has upset some in the uniformed ranks however it’s always been the official policy. It’ll just be better enforced now. It’s probably better to upset a few guards at the gate than to jeopardize any guards who must walk through an already restless population inside the facility.