A new bill proposed by far-left Democratic Councilwoman Sandy Nurse in NYC would restrict the use of pepper spray by correction officers in city jails, including Rikers Island. The legislation would require officers to seek authorization before using pepper spray on out-of-control detainees, only allowing it in emergency situations where there is an immediate threat of death or serious injury. This bill has garnered support from Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, a Queens Democratic socialist, and has raised concerns from the city’s correction officers’ union president Benny Boscio, who believes the legislation puts both officers and detainees at risk.
Boscio argues that the use of pepper spray is essential in emergency situations to prevent serious injuries to both inmates and officers. He criticizes the bill as reckless and invites Councilmember Nurse and other supporters to spend time in housing areas with gang-affiliated inmates to understand the importance of chemical agents. Nurse’s legislation is part of a broader effort by the Council’s left-wing majority to improve conditions for detainees in local jails, amidst ongoing concerns about violence on Rikers Island and the potential for external oversight.
The introduction of Nurse’s bill comes after a report from the city jails oversight board highlighted an increase in the use of pepper spray by correction officers in city jails. The report criticized the NYC Department of Correction for overreliance on chemical agents, with nearly 3,000 pepper spray incidents reported in the first 10 months of 2023. The board also noted instances where pepper spray was used on mentally ill detainees without consulting mental health staff, as well as cases where pepper spray was used on detainees attempting self-harm instead of taking alternative measures.
The Council’s left-wing majority has been working to address issues within the correctional system, including passing legislation to limit the use of solitary confinement in jails. However, Mayor Eric Adams, a moderate Democrat, has taken steps to block some aspects of these plans through an emergency executive order. The ongoing debate over the use of pepper spray in city jails raises questions about how to balance the safety of both inmates and correction officers, and whether restricting the use of chemical agents will lead to better outcomes for all involved.
As the debate continues, there are concerns about the potential impact of Nurse’s legislation on correction officers’ ability to respond to emergency situations in city jails. The opposition to the bill, including from Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli, suggests that there may be challenges in passing such restrictive measures. Ultimately, the decision on the use of pepper spray in city jails will need to consider the safety and security of all individuals involved, while also addressing the underlying issues that have led to increased violence and the overreliance on chemical agents within the correctional system.
