Senator Jeff Klein, District Attorney Darcel Clark and NYC Department of Corrections commissioner Joseph Ponte visited the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau on Friday, March 17 where Klein was briefed on how his $100,000 allocation helped equip the district attorney’s satellite office.
The state funding allows for two work vehicles for the bureau’s staff and computer equipment and security enhancements for the office.
Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau opened last September under the district attorney’s leadership who has made it a priority to establish a physical presence on the island.
The bureau consists of a team of assistant district attorneys, investigators and administrative support staff.
The office speeds up the prosecutions of jailhouse crimes while also promoting a safer environment.
Following his funding announcement, Klein was given a tour of the Robert N. Davoran Center which houses 16 and 17-year-old men.
Klein is a lead proponent of Raise the Age legislation which would raise the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18.
