Rosa Goldensohn, Reuven Blau, Author at THE CITY - NYC News

Jailer Pushed Layleen Polanco Into Rikers Island Solitary Confinement Despite Red Flags: Report

June 23, 2020, 11:08 a.m.June 29, 2020, 3:13 p.m.

NYC’s jail oversight board also found that city jail housing policy for transgender inmates created “increased pressure” to house her in solitary, where she died last June.

Solitary Confinement

Layleen Polanco-Inspired Solitary Confinement Reforms Languish a Year After Her Death on Rikers Island

June 18, 2020, 8:26 p.m.March 14, 2024, 2:23 p.m.

Meanwhile, city jailers contend that locking people in isolation for 21 hours a day does not qualify as “solitary confinement.”

Justice

Coronavirus Testing Ramps Up in New York — But Not in State Prisons

June 15, 2020, 7:58 p.m.June 15, 2020, 10:26 p.m.

Fewer than 100 New York State prisoners were tested for COVID-19 in the first two weeks of June, even as experts say lockups are vulnerable to outbreaks.

George Floyd Protests

De Blasio’s Staff Taking to the Streets Over His Handling of George Floyd Protests

June 6, 2020, 4:14 p.m.June 6, 2020, 4:12 p.m.

After penning an open letter demanding NYPD reform measures, hundreds of city employees plan to voice their dissatisfaction outside City Hall and Gracie Mansion.

George Floyd Protests

NYPD Shut Off George Floyd Protesters From Legal Help, Attorneys Charge

June 4, 2020, 3:08 p.m.June 4, 2020, 6:36 p.m.

Demonstrators taken to police headquarters were allegedly robbed of “critical early representation” — with no way for family or lawyers to find them.

George Floyd Protests

Scores Arrested Amid Floyd Protests Locked Up for More Than 24 Hours in NYC: Lawsuit

June 2, 2020, 8:22 p.m.June 2, 2020, 10:07 p.m.

Defendants say they’re being packed into holding areas. Court officials blame the NYPD for moving “glacially” on paperwork to get people in front of judges.

Police Brutality

NYC Shows Anger, Solidarity as Protests Consume Weekend

May 31, 2020, 11:55 p.m.Oct. 12, 2023, 7:34 a.m.

Police brutality, racism and systemic injustice weighed heavy on the minds of both New Yorkers who participated in demonstrations — and those who didn’t.