NYCDS releases new report on coronavirus in city jails
Executive Summary: New York County Defender Services (NYCDS) created a questionnaire and surveyed willing incarcerated clients on their experiences in custody during the pandemic. We are aware of no other survey in the U.S. that has sought to collect data about the experiences of incarcerated people regarding coronavirus. The survey received 47 responses by the end of the questionnaire administration period. NYCDS tabulated the responses and presented them along with quotes that exemplify client experiences. Survey analysis revealed that clients perceived that hygiene procedures were lacking, that they felt unsafe, and that jail staff did not address their concerns. These results clash with safety assurances made by the Department of Correction.