NYC Seeks 'Jails Czar' to Help Close Rikers

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Mamdani administration is looking to hire a 'borough-based jails czar' to serve as a trusted advisor on all matters related to the closing of the troubled Rikers Island jail complex by August 2027. The high-ranking role, which was posted by the mayor's office on Friday, comes with a $180,000 to $230,000 salary.

Why it matters

Rikers Island has long been plagued by reports of subpar conditions and violence, prompting the city to be legally mandated to close the complex by 2027. The hiring of a 'jails czar' represents the latest step by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to address the situation at Rikers since taking office in January.

The details

Last year, the city unveiled plans to shutter Rikers and replace it with four borough-based jails. The new 'jails czar' role will serve as a trusted advisor to the mayor, first deputy mayor, and the administration's senior leadership on all matters related to the closing of Rikers.

• The city is legally mandated to close the Rikers Island jail complex by August 2027.
• In January 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed an emergency order to address the situation at Rikers.

What’s next

The new 'jails czar' will work closely with the mayor, first deputy mayor, and senior administration officials to oversee the complex process of closing Rikers Island and transitioning to the planned borough-based jail system.