Surprising Benefits of Being an Inmate at Rikers Island
When many people think about spending time in the Rikers Island correctional facility, they often imagine a bleak and harrowing experience. But there are, in fact, certain advantages that being at Rikers can provide for inmates. This article looks into some of the surprising benefits that inmates might find.
Closer Proximity to the Community
Proximity to the Community
A primary benefit for inmates at Rikers Island is the close proximity to the so-called “Big Yard,” which is often referred to as “the City,” “the community,” or even more colloquially as “the yard.” This designation highlights the close connection that inmates have to the broader community through the sheer accessibility of various city resources and the relative ease with which they can communicate and interact with people outside the facility.
For many inmates, this closeness can be a point of connection with friends and family, making the time spent in prison seem less isolating. The term “city time” refers to situations where an inmate is serving a sentence in the city while maintaining close ties with the outside world.
Community Involvement Through Volunteering
Volunteering Opportunities
A unique aspect of Rikers Island is the opportunity for inmates to participate in volunteer work and community service within the prison itself. One notable program that stands out is the Hart Island work detail. Located on the Island of New York, Hart Island is the burial ground for the indigent and the unidentified, as well as for those who die in most New York City jails. The volunteers at the Hart Island work detail help to bury the deceased, performing a crucial humanitarian service and honoring the lives of those who have passed away under challenging circumstances.
The Hart Island work detail is particularly poignant as it provides inmates with a rare opportunity to serve their community, which often goes unnoticed. By participating in these activities, inmates can gain a sense of purpose and contribute to the larger social fabric of New York City. This exposure to and involvement with the community can also serve as a form of rehabilitation, reinforcing positive social behaviors and responsibilities.
Escape from Isolation
Impact on Mental Health
The close proximity to the community also serves as a mental health benefit for inmates. Spending prolonged periods in isolation can be detrimental to mental well-being, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. The ability to interact with the community and engage in meaningful activities can provide a salient distraction and a sense of belonging. It can also offer a respite from the harsh realities of incarceration and provide a mental health boost, helping inmates to cope with the challenges they face.
The involvement in volunteer work, while physically challenging, can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, further enhancing mental health. The work detail at Hart Island not only contributes to a sense of community but also offers a structure and routine, which can be therapeutic in a chaotic environment.
Conclusion
Being an inmate at Rikers Island may come with its fair share of challenges, but it also offers a few unexpected benefits. The close proximity to the community, volunteer opportunities like the Hart Island work detail, and the chance to engage in meaningful activities can serve as valuable tools for personal growth and rehabilitation. These benefits underline the complex nature of incarceration and the potential for positive change within such settings.