RIKERS ISLAND, New York — In New York City there are hundreds of women and juveniles in jail without having been convicted. Most of them are held at Rikers Island. Some people say they should be there for public safety reasons. Others say these alleged offenders are only there because they can’t afford bail.
Bail reform is the issue the RFK Foundation wanted to address last month when they embarked upon the largest mass bailout in history.
Led by Kerry Kennedy, daughter of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, the organization bailed out as many women and juveniles as they could with indifference to the alleged offense. Many in the law enforcement community may agree that something should be done about the cash bail system, but springing people en masse isn’t it.
One side says bail criminalizes the poor because rich people can bail themselves out with indifference to the alleged offense. The other side says some of these people need to be in jail because they pose a risk to public safety.
VICE News visited Rikers Island to see how the RFK Foundation is conducting the largest mass bailout, and how law enforcement and top prosecutors are taking action.
This segment originally aired November 13, 2018 on VICE News Tonight on HBO.
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Over 100 inmates were bailed out in the largest mass bailout in history, thanks to the efforts of the Human Rights Organization (HBO). This groundbreaking initiative sought to address the issue of mass incarceration and the impact it has on individuals and communities across the United States.
The mass bailout took place in several cities across the country, where people who were being held in jail simply because they couldn’t afford bail were released. This initiative aimed to bring attention to the injustices within the criminal justice system, particularly the practice of detaining individuals simply because they cannot afford to pay their bail.
The fact that so many individuals were able to be bailed out speaks to the widespread impact of the issue. For many, the inability to pay bail means being held in jail for an extended period of time, often resulting in the loss of jobs, housing, and separation from their families. The ripple effect of mass incarceration also extends beyond the individuals directly affected, impacting their communities and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
The mass bailout also sheds light on the systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system. Studies have shown that people of color and those from low-income communities are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration and bail practices. By addressing the issue head-on and providing relief to those affected, HBO’s mass bailout is a step towards addressing these systemic injustices.
In addition to providing immediate relief to those who were bailed out, this initiative also serves as a call to action for policy reform. The mass bailout aims to highlight the need for changes in the bail system, and to bring attention to other issues related to mass incarceration, such as pretrial detention and the overuse of bail as a means of incarceration.
The mass bailout organized by HBO is a groundbreaking effort that highlights the need for reform within the criminal justice system. By addressing the issue of mass incarceration and bail practices, this initiative seeks to bring about meaningful change for individuals and communities impacted by systemic inequalities. It serves as a reminder that there is a need for comprehensive reform in the criminal justice system and that organizations and individuals can make a difference in addressing these critical issues.
absolutely disgusting ! Usa is the country with the most injustice in the world
oh my god, pardon all the minor offenders and execute the rest. ideally there should be no prisons.
Im all for this at its really a great thing however the people that are being bailed out really should be screened and interviewed before granting them this wonderful gift. Violent crimes and crimes that involved weapons should kind of be a red flag. The woman that ran on that 50000 is really crazy and most likely guilty. Its a bit of common sense. Ive been there and i know first hand theres plenty of people who would really be blessed by this act.
Soooooo we are once again trying to heal sick men as apposed to raising strong ones. We will fail Everytime in this attempt. If 75 percent of detainees are innocent than jail should be so dangerous. If 75 percent just need some money to get out how come they pay correction officers thousands of dollars for breakfast sex and drugs? All you people thinking this is even close to a good idea need to be examined. Yes there are people who go and aren't guilty and it's sad but you can't just focus there. I would like the two posting bail to walk with a correction officer once and see the reality not the BS.
not hate but why does that kennedy lady sound like she's vibrating
VICE PLEASE follow up on this
And thank you to all of the volunteers. If I lived there I would be one
You go girl
bail me out<im racist think
Look…read before you just spring the lock…how many mass bail out recipients create another victim the first week they are out?? Anybody following up? Are you bailing out pedos? Pizzagate buddies?? We know Ted was a big supporter of NAMBLA hill and bill and barack and michael too
The justice system is Criminal
How sexist and age – o – phobic….she only bails out women and children – what about the MEN ? Im outraged LOLOLOL
Such an amazing idea. I love the patriotism for our fellows that Mrs Kennedy shows. If your poor, your guilty until proven innocent which may never happen due to money. It's a bad system that needs reform.
I guarantee most of the people they bail out skip. That is why they don't want to talk about those numbers but they will throw numbers like 75% of cases are dropped. I think it is all bs.
But then again like the gentleman said don't just bail out anybody because they don't live next door to you be very wise and very conscious of who your billing out as much as you can because they are strangers to you just be wise