Layleen Polanco

Reimagining New York Jails Without Solitary Confinement

Aug. 19, 2019, 4:05 a.m.April 6, 2020, 4:56 p.m.

A growing chorus of critics wants to strictly limit or ban isolation in the wake of Layleen Polanco’s death. But what are the alternatives?

Solitary Confinement

Layleen Polanco’s Mother Files Lawsuit Over Rikers Death

Aug. 12, 2019, 2:41 p.m.Oct. 12, 2023, 7:26 a.m.

Correction officials ignored the medical needs of the woman who died in solitary — and “took no action” to get her help, court papers charge.

Rikers Island

Medical Condition Should Have Kept Polanco From Solitary, Experts Say

Aug. 1, 2019, 9:01 p.m.Oct. 12, 2023, 7:26 a.m.

As Elizabeth Warren and others called for reform, former jail health experts said Layleen Polanco’s seizure disorder should have been a red flag.

Layleen Polanco

Layleen Polanco Died of Epileptic Seizure in Solitary, Autopsy Reveals

July 30, 2019, 7:35 p.m.June 29, 2020, 3:14 p.m.

The 27-year-old was on anti-seizure medication at Rikers Island. Her family lawyer charged she died of “indifference and neglect.”

Justice

Jails Board Promises Solitary Confinement Reform — But Delays Action

July 10, 2019, 4:05 a.m.April 6, 2020, 4:56 p.m.

Oversight body hears emotional testimony following the death of Layleen Polanco, whose Rikers Island demise sparked movement to overhaul city jails.

Layleen Polanco

Rikers Island Solitary Unit Back in Use After Polanco Death

July 2, 2019, 4:00 a.m.April 6, 2020, 4:56 p.m.

Officials moved eight detainees into punitive segregation unit of women’s jail, despite growing calls to end the practice.

Layleen Polanco

Jail Oversight Board Floats Solitary Reforms After Polanco Death

June 28, 2019, 4:15 a.m.April 6, 2020, 4:56 p.m.

The Board of Correction, which oversees Rikers Island and other city jails, is mulling ideas to limit the use of so-called punitive segregation.

Layleen Polanco

Ten Miles From Stonewall: Polanco Death Haunts a Prideful Celebration

June 25, 2019, 4:00 a.m.April 6, 2020, 4:56 p.m.

Layleen Polanco, a transgender 27-year-old woman, died in a jail cell just as a month of rainbow-hued events celebrating LGBTQIA progress kicked off.

Layleen Polanco

Pols Call to End ‘Torture’ of Solitary Confinement in City Jails

June 20, 2019, 9:01 p.m.March 14, 2024, 2:21 p.m.

The death of Layleen Polanco at Rikers Island prompts a strong statement from City Council progressives who demand action amid a growing movement.

Layleen Polanco

Rikers Empties Women’s Solitary Unit After Polanco Death

June 19, 2019, 2:26 p.m.April 6, 2020, 4:56 p.m.

The 27-year-old transgender woman had been held there for nine days when she died following a hospital stay. The case is under investigation.

Layleen Polanco

Reimagining New York Jails Without Solitary Confinement

Layleen Polanco’s Mother Files Lawsuit Over Rikers Death

Medical Condition Should Have Kept Polanco From Solitary, Experts Say

Layleen Polanco Died of Epileptic Seizure in Solitary, Autopsy Reveals

Jails Board Promises Solitary Confinement Reform — But Delays Action

Rikers Island Solitary Unit Back in Use After Polanco Death

Jail Oversight Board Floats Solitary Reforms After Polanco Death

Ten Miles From Stonewall: Polanco Death Haunts a Prideful Celebration

Pols Call to End ‘Torture’ of Solitary Confinement in City Jails

Rikers Empties Women’s Solitary Unit After Polanco Death

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