How the US's Most Dangerous Jail (Rikers) Actually Works | How Crime Works | Insider

Rikers Island is home to some of the most notorious and violent jails in the world. It is located in the East River in New York City. The majority of its detainees have not yet been convicted of a crime and are either remanded in custody or held on bail.
Vidal Guzman is a former member of the East Coast Bloods. He was incarcerated on Rikers Island when he was 16 and returned when he was 19.
Guzman discusses the conditions inside the New York City jail complex. He mentions corrupt guards, gang-controlled phones, and how illegal goods are smuggled in. He speaks about the history of the US jail system, how Rikers Island came to be, and the need for reform. He also addresses myths about Rikers being a prison and who is incarcerated there.
Guzman is a prominent voice in the Close Rikers campaign and the executive director of America on Trial. He is the founder of the End Qualified Immunity in NY and #FixThe13thNY campaigns. He left the criminal justice system at 24 and started working with the food-truck initiative Drive Change before becoming a criminal justice campaigner.
Find him here: www.vidalguzman.org
And his Instagram: @Iamvidalguzman
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - The First Day
02:28 - The Program
05:19 - The Smuggling
07:03 - The Guards
09:00 - The Rivalries
10:56 - Gang Rules
12:24 - The Island
14:20 - The Cells
15:26 - The Decision
17:28 - The Policing
20:09 - The Backstory
21:40 - The Aftermath
24:03 - Credits
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How Rikers Island Jail Actually Works | How Crime Works | Insider

[@sammarks9146]

I truly don't understand how waiting 10 YEARS for trial isn't seen as a violation of the 6th Amendment.

[@sugareecereviews]

My thought exactly lol

[@gmoney200]

Because not everybody got a education and know there rights

[@bigtoepapa]

Underfunded to address mental health care

[@sammarks9146]

@@bigtoepapa ?

[@garyp3472]

Probably not white I imagine

[@babeena_gt_3645]

He was so young and made a huge mistake. I'm glad he isn't mentally destroyed because of that place. I hope he's living a safe honest life now.

[@retryhikaru184]

Thats not how it works 🙂

[@babeena_gt_3645]

@@retryhikaru184 such a skeptic 🙄 Trying to think in a positive aspect is all

[@davidbyrnes8541]

​@@retryhikaru184 I mean he's a public speaker, this is his job, he is probably living straight like he claimed. Or you just assume he's a liar, I guess...

[@pineappleenjoyer9297]

@@babeena_gt_3645until that big mistake turns out to be rape and the victim is you…. You don’t really ever think logically do you?

[@babeena_gt_3645]

@@pineappleenjoyer9297 but he wasn't in for that. He was a youth who robbed places 2 times(possibly more), but he went in for doing dumb stuff ,and owns up to it,and his life is going in a different direction

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

What amazes me is, you had to do things much worse in Riker's than you did to get put in there.

[@starcherry6814]

Right! I’m completely baffled

[@theactivethoughts4027]

Why yall amazed when that’s where other criminals are.. you expected that mindset to stop? Plus you don’t have to commit any crimes when locked up . But when you only thinking about being the top guy then yeah you gotta do something. Y’all don’t understand the culture.. yall don’t even pay attention cause once he say take over the house I knew you wanted to be the boss of 20-30 other inmates.. so yeah to be the boss of criminals you have to show them that you’re a bigger threat

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

@@theactivethoughts4027 : You apparently didn't watch the video, or are so prejudiced that nothing short of throwing you in there for a while would convince you otherwise. He was not violent when he got there, where he had to be.

[@renaudvillacis8066]

Everybody in the hood knows about rikers and what goes on..Dont do the crime if u cant do the time

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

@@renaudvillacis8066 "In the hood" 😂 The 80s called; they want their outdated cliche back.

[@frandyhenriquez1724]

I lost my big brother to this jail he was only 19 he died in solitary confinement I be crying everyday honestly and I miss him a lot he went in when he was 16 seen my big brother having to be something he wasn’t he had the best smile I miss him dearly

[@ilandgrl]

That's horrible that they put someone so young in there. That's there is criminal. I'm so sorry for you loss.

[@studderzshealwayslove.stud8532]

Really sorry for yo loss yo 🤦🏽‍♂️😕

[@giovporto6475]

Why was he there🤔

[@graysonwhite4906]

dying in solitary confinement is crazy. i’m sorry for your loss youngin

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

I'm truly sorry for your loss, frandy. I wish you courage, strength and peace of heart, that you may go on to lead a life that your bro would be proud of you. Be good to yourself. 💐🙏🏽💞

[@hereticsaint100]

Put people who already have problems in an environment that makes them even worse. What could possibly go wrong!

[@Mr_jz_12]

They come out with extra "skills"

[@jimmyromano249]

Can they put them at your house instead?

[@dbailey45th94]

Ah, the American "rehabilitation" system LOLLLLLL

[@googlegmail9888]

@@TheGhostOfMichaelJacksonit’s not a right

[@ProBloggerWorld]

Yep. ADHD for example has a strong association with committing crimes. Guess what happens if properly treated, before and after crimes.

[@CushionSapp]

A prison in the USA was poorly managed? What a surprise.

[@angelaperez6393]

I live in the U.S. or bronx Ny per say and when I worked in a jail, no joke it was wild and hetic, and depending on which jail you were in you were Hella privilege. Like no joke 3 meals a day a roof over your head classes for jobs and traits, licenses and then some including schooling is jail paid for free..... it's sad we struggle, and some jails offer stuff like this. Tempting people as of well for benifits

[@barbroericson6415]

😂 especially the private once, the justice system in the US is a frigging JOKE, not that it's any different in other countries, only the USA is really the " 🍒 on the 🎂, wholy Moses what a JOKE!!!!! JUSTICE? USA YOU CAN'T EVEN SPELL OR COMPREHEND THE MEANING OF THAT WORD.

[@JerzyBoy973]

Pay attention. Rikers isn’t even a prison. It’s a damn jail!! It’s a jail that’s so poorly managed people stay there way too long.

[@RedragonReviews]

What prison is there that is managed better? There isn't... People are in there for a reason .. it isn't called " fun vacation prison " 😐

[@JustanotherLiz]

Our prisons are Disneyland compared to Africas prisons and other countries. You have no idea.

[@gambinoGKB031]

My boy changed his life I know pops is proud of u Brody

[@TheOneCleanHippy]

Mass incarceration is a perfect way to turn people who could have turned their life around into hardened criminals. It is not about rehabilitation, it is about keeping poor people in their place. And it always has been.

[@damienholland8103]

True but every time I bring up the topic of prison reform online over half of Americans scoff at doing anything about it or say it shouldn't be a holiday inn. If most of the population is ignorant and morally bankrupt about it it's not going to change. Also: Seems like there's more money to be made by having it remain corrupt than clean.

[@urmum7461]

Don't get caught no problem 🤗

[@DJYC21215]

@@urmum7461 This guy gets it

[@marca8881]

Imagine reforming individuals and making members of society better, not better criminals, but better citizens.

[@thomasryan2679]

You're passing along rumors and innuendos. Rikers population peaked years ago with 19000 inmates. Today it's 6000. The state has closes 9 more institutions due to shrinking populations.

[@erikt454]

I can't understand why non-violent offenders and accused can't get their own blocks / ranges. They'd presumably be premium spots for guards, knowing everyone who just wants to chill won't want to make trouble for anyone, with the threat of being moved into a regular goon range for those who like trouble.

[@Formula1st]

The side effect of that would be that violence elsewhere would increase hugely

[@camanderson9954]

because many in prison are in for drug dealing or possession, neither which are considered violent crimes, but the people involved in that are violent. Just because you havent been charged with assault doesnt mean Im not ready to fight.

[@tomlxyz]

​@@camanderson9954 that sounds like assuming guilty without proof

[@tyjonawob8474]

People upset about him facing time at rikera have never heard of the khalief browder story. This man did something bad but that does not mean he should be at one of the worst jails in the world. You can rehabilitate or encourage criminals to carry on their life.

[@theactivethoughts4027]

You obviously don’t know the kalief browder story and just listen to the liberals that exploit the story for their agenda…. They want to close rikers but more and more people getting arrested for serious crimes.. no one on rikers for a misdemeanor . Yet the count keep rising and the streets is getting worse

[@wandataylor8302]

So sorry. Many prayers. Truly. Plese stay free. Keep warnimg others. L yall little brither.

[@MISNM0]

Mr. Browder was egregiously failed by the American justice system.

[@MLGreene301]

Khalief Browder was falsely accused.

[@renaudvillacis8066]

Whered u do ur time ?

[@jonathanjones3091]

Thank you for sharing this information and your journey. Keep going strong and your in our prayers.

[@starcherry6814]

Thank you for uploading this video It needed to be seen

[@blackonepac]

Thx 4 the insight Bruh!!

[@edgarmiranda4362]

It’s amazing on how knowledgeable he is about the situation he was in.

[@mickharrison9004]

He s a top head for sure .

[@retryhikaru184]

what are you even talking about, he was dealing with this sh*t for 16 years...of course he f*cking knows this much !!! This is not a f*cking tv show! You try doing this for 1 day of your life and I'm sure the rock bottom you'll suddenly hit with your life will teach you to become very knowledgeable in a f*cking heartbeat !!! obviously !!!!

[@mickharrison9004]

@@retryhikaru184 eh excitable lady with attitude problem in spades ,you don't know me or you wouldn't of said ,many of the things you did so as we say wind your neck in ,and think again I've been through many battles and wars over the years ,that would have you running for your life ,from the violence and other big life experience sealed with a kiss 😂🤡😂

[@brooklyngiraffe]

This young man is so articulate and thoughtful when speaking about such a traumatic experience. About the corrections officers: “They left, but there were inside with us.” Very powerful

[@realSimoneCherie]

Rich people don’t end up in these situations. The fact that I grew up in a neighborhood where we could steal from Claire’s and get highway cleanup duty - and some kids live in neighborhoods where the same behavior means jail is enough disparate justice to unnerve any sane person

[@SnipsyStripes]

Women don't end up like this, either. This is a pattern of male behavior and nothing is going to change until it's acknowledged.

[@a11113adfg]

shoplifting is not the same as armed robbery

[@solodolo4964]

Appreciate the insight

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

God bless you, Vidal. I hope you continue on your positive path. I appreciate your story. I've always wondered about Rikers. I feel bad for the people living and working under the conditions there. It sounds horrifying. My father was a correctional officer at a state penitentiary for 20 years... he would be upset with the conditions at Rikers, probably thinking neither the jailed nor the jailers should be treated as they're treated. I'm glad you've paid your dues and have realized the woes of your ways. None of us are perfect; we all have room to grow. Seems to me you're growing and that you have an optimistic outlook on life now - that you appreciate family and work. Good on you, Vidal. May the rest of your days and nights be filled with strength, courage, hope, peace, and love. God bless you and yours always and forever. 💐🙏🏽💞😇

[@hellcatdogman3367]

He said c-74 kept 19-24 yr olds. Bac in 85 when I was locked up, C-74 was for 16- 21 yr olds. It was also called ARDC Adolescence Reception Detention Center.

[@hectorjinx3433]

It was like that in the early 90's too

[@josecruz77]

I think it’s still like that I was there in 06,09,15 and it was still the same he made a mistake and also trinitarios were never called DDP he’s freestyling on things he don’t know just stories

[@hellcatdogman3367]

@@josecruz77 🫡

[@hellcatdogman3367]

@@hectorjinx3433 🫡

[@ultimateevilz8937]

@@josecruz77 yea he made a mistake with those two gangs....they were allies in the 90s but are now big time rivals

[@RockyR]

A lot of these comments are disgusting. He's just telling his story. He made a mistake as a TEENAGER. Not to mention there are ppl on rikers island, who didn't even do the crime. If you're not gonna have any empathy why watch the video?

[@v.a.993]

People don't have to have empathy just to watch a video. I'm not saying the harsh comments are right, but I am not saying they are wrong either. The comments section is for commenting...good...bad...and ugly.

[@bennyblanco14]

We are not talking about those who are in rikers who are not guilty. This is about a man crying about how rough jail was for him. Jail and prison is supposed to scare you and change you because that's what it's made for. You clearly never been in trouble and think that prison should not be evil. Here is a wake-up call, all the bad people end up in prison, and when you break the law, that's where you go. This man is crying because he was 16 when he went to rikers and had to change to survive. That's no different than living in the hood or a bad neighborhood. Your environment will definitely change you and if you do not want to be in that evil, don't break the law. If you are feeling unsafe in your neighborhood, improve your life and move out to something better. I moved out my hood, and I will never go back because I like having nice stuff without having to worry to much. I have a great job and degree because I wanted to better myself and to do that, only myself can make that change

[@RockyR]

@@bennyblanco14 you wrote all this unprovoked to reply to me…and missed my point.

[@RockyR]

@@v.a.993 I asked you?

[@BFNH459]

​@@RockyRyou don't understand comment sections

[@pb24dagrk]

Reading the comments here is hilarious. Tell me you dont understand complex societal issues without telling me you dont understand complex societal issues.

[@hannibalb8070]

It's just America stuff

[@cthomas025]

This comment section is seriously atrocious. Bunch of assholes with no empathy who would say things like systemic racism doesn't exist and have probably never experienced and level of poverty.

[@georgei266]

Complex societal issues? Please that’s just an excuse to commit crimes. I grew up in a tough area and knew robbing people had consequences.

[@pb24dagrk]

@@georgei266 I think you just proved my point

[@DearProfessorRF]

Neither social nor historical ones. Rather than hilarious find them pathetic.

[@cristian49537]

Trinitarios were never DDP. DDP had numbers in the streets but never translated unity in the prisons. Trinitarios came in the early 90s and then took over the dominated Dominican gang to have number inside and outside. And lots of ddp when they got locked up flipped to trini.

[@G3O.On3]

I knew I would find this comment 💯

[@GABRIELADAWSON]

And don’t forget about the Patria.

[@westnile21]

@@GABRIELADAWSON- Trinitario and Patria is the same thing my boy

[@chrisdalby]

Yeah, he was wrong about that. The DDP and Trinitarios are now fighting with machetes in Madrid, Spain.

[@lesterandrews1894]

you are a good speaker i’ve been on both sides . and because of how bad the experience was , it was a Big factor i gave up the life . without that experience, i might have continued my old behavior but having a loved one experience that type of environment would Break my heart i wish theee was an easy answer. it’s a good fight that you are addressing, we need Many more people like you to figure things out

[@odustbrown1836]

If you think he's a good speaker, then you're not a very good listener. Examples: Yoof Indivijooz Dormitaries Overpolice

[@VWonder737]

Thanks you for doing this interview.

[@kingjoe3rd]

I've heard of certain county jails being referred to as "gladiator school" which is never a good sign. The Mobile County Jail here in Mobile, AL is one of them.

[@stevehope4572]

The metro

[@delanoarts3703]

I understand this so much im Canadian in Canada its not black its native im native grew up in prison i get everything he was saying in prison all normally morality is upside-down the norm are the enemy its very different im lucky i changed at age 22 first time in jail 13 been 30 years since ive been there but i still remember it clearly very difficult to break the mentality

[@hectorjinx3433]

Glad I watched this brought back a lot of memories good and bad

[@UncleBuZ]

Prisons are full of complex ptsd. Among other things.

[@Dunning.Kruger]

and everyone is stuck in survival mode.

[@TheTomtah]

THe PTSD is way worse among the innocent victims of the thugs you find in prison. This guy robbed innocent people. How are his victims doing?

[@UncleBuZ]

@@TheTomtah Sweet rant. It's important to recognize that people in prison can come from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Blanket labeling as "thugs" oversimplifies the complex factors leading to criminal behavior. Many people in the criminal justice system have faced systemic issues such as poverty, lack of education, (like yourself) and limited opportunities. Additionally, focusing on the victims of a specific individual does not address the root causes of criminality or contribute to a constructive discussion on rehabilitation and prevention. Instead, understanding the broader social context and advocating for comprehensive solutions is essential to addressing the complexities of crime and its impact on both perpetrators and victims.🤡

[@Dunning.Kruger]

@@TheTomtah PTSD is way worse? Do you know what you're even talking about? lmao. And WHO are you talking about? You know PTSD effects everyone differently? How do YOU know anything about peoples mental state or their background? You're making an emotional statement. A presumption of innocence among other logical fallacies. That's a hard fail.

[@P.u.p.p.e.t.M.a.s.t.e.r]

@@TheTomtah because reducing complex human experiences to the label "thugs" is the epitome of nuanced analysis. I didn't realize trauma had a membership card exclusively for "innocent victims." Last time I checked, empathy and understanding weren't limited to categorizing people into convenient stereotypes. But hey, let's ignore the systemic issues, sweep everything under the "thug" rug, and pretend that solves society's problems. Brilliant.

[@Bandit_in_boots]

its gotten to a point where whenever i hear rikers i think of the division 1 and 2

[@JustanotherLiz]

I am so happy I never got sent to rykers. I was so young too, got caught with dope so many times. But the judge each time gave me time served. Thank you Lord Jesus for having mercy on me.

[@geethemarvel4647]

I'm glad he stood on business for his brother ❤

[@chrisvallianos8164]

I got an uncle who did a tour at Riker's and he ain't been the same since.

[@kaylasbarker435]

Wonderful video

[@yeshua3374]

As soon as he said DDP changed their name to Patria I knew he talking straight Foo foo.

[@bjt81366]

The path to Rikers is poverty. The path away is education. Unfortunately, education is a matter of property tax. If your neighborhood has value your schools educate. If your neighborhood has no value your schools babysit. Start strong brah!

[@afhostie]

That's absolutely not true. It comes down to parents. Parents who take a strong interest in their child's education get it. We've seen that play out through NYC with asians, blacks, whites, and hispanics. It's the kids whose parent's aren't around and don't push them to get educated who come out illiterate.

[@christinafidance340]

@@afhostieNo, this is absolutely 100% true. Public schools are funded by the surrounding property tax so poor area = underfunded school. COMPLETELY UNFAIR.

[@wall-e1793]

@@afhostie Well, it's connected, isn't it? Parents who are at least comfortable will have more resources (time as well as money) to invest in their children. Hard to take an active part in your kids life if you're working 60 hours a week.

[@ssic_network]

@@afhostieyour BOTH wrong the path is environmental and influence !!!! More so influence I have relatives with parents and allowance and just hung around the wrong ppl to where street cred became the most important thing. These are the worst because they’ll destroy everything in there path for validation from “friends” that are jealous and see they have it all 😅 think about this it’s wild and a labyrinth but true !!!

[@Petruskinhap972]

@@wall-e1793this is simply NOT true. You must not be from NYC? I literally walk into my Chinese food restaurant at 8pm and see the kids of the workers there, doing homework while the parents work. I literally was a home care nurse working in the projects in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn which for some reason now have a ton of Asians and you don’t see those teenagers outside! At all! Nigerians as well, they might work 5 jobs and send their kids to a catholic school. They’re not out getting their nails done, buying designer crap when they live in the ghetto. It’s a matter of priority and choices. Keep your family together, prioritize respect and education. Works every single time.

[@brainfreezetv332]

Man you took me back with this video. I was on rikers from 2001 to 2004 and 2006 to 2008 I have lots of story’s from c74 to OBCC

[@Animalescent]

OhBoy

[@heat5701]

You was a softeee too don’t act like you was something else

[@Animalescent]

@@heat5701 I’m pretty sure u got a pet dog that u kan go kick or a neighbor that u kan argue with

[@heat5701]

@@Animalescent go outside and make a name not a username lmao

[@Animalescent]

@@heat5701 I feel sorry for ur cat .. u the only one talking tuff …I’m in my penthouse eating steak & playing with my pet monkey 🤷🏽‍♂️😉

[@Adhxm]

Where to get that chips from?

[@DerDude-vr1jz]

i trade you some for cigarette

[@jordant.teeterson3100]

Prison should be all work. Have prisoners work, not for 15 cents an hour but minimum wage. Half goes to the prison for upkeep, 15 cents an hour goes to a fund where you can buy commissary, and the rest is held in an account until your release so to can get an apartment when you get out so you don't immediately have to do crimes to exist upon release.

[@sioo9057]

No company should profit from the imprisonment of citizens. You're just incentivizing locking people up. Outside of violent crimes, people will always be better for society outside of confinement. Labor isn't all someone is. People have kids that need care, friends that need their help and people who need their light and love.

[@WastedTalent-]

In some states, you get a bill when you're released. You have to pay or get thrown back in. It's a vicious cycle.

[@leas7830]

Thank God I am not American. I haven't been in prison and don't plan that career but how on Earth you can keep people in that kind of hellish junkyard who haven't been in court?! There are innocent people too!!!

[@xKarenWalkerx]

@@ceceliaclarkemany things untrue about your comment. Most County/City Jails don't distinguish those sentenced to those awaiting trial. Those sentenced to County/City jail are for misdemeanors only and are always less than one year which is why they're in County/City Jail. All felonies are mandatory sentencing over one year (usually many years) and at a prison ("upstate"). That said there are many non-violent convicts in prison (for several years) because they were convicted of felonies, many white collar crimes like fraud and embezzlement, or other non-violent like drug possession. It is theoretically possible to spend many years at a County/City Jail awaiting trial and sentencing. Like this guy here. He ended up spending more time than he should have due to how overflooded the NYC criminal justice system is. But he was convicted of Robbery which *is* a felony and is mandatory several years in prison. He probably got time served because of the time it took for him to reach trial and sentencing. He was a felony convict and should have gone to prison, it's just that the time it took waiting in Jail to reach trial and sentencing was about the same time he would have gotten in prison.

[@abouttimeforarevolution241]

⁠@@ceceliaclarkePeople do spend time in Rykers before any trial. Despite the constitutional right to a speedy trial, people have spent years there without a conviction. These people are innocent until proven guilty, but it’s treated as the other way around…. Guilty until proven innocent, that’s how the actual system works. Like even if someone held before trial overcomes the odds…. Get a defense attorney who is able to actually invest the time to build a case that would possibly exonerate you. Face multiple delays often caused by prosecution who just want suspects to take a plea deal so they don’t have to go to court. Avoid getting into further trouble while incarcerated in an extremely dangerous jail environment. Then finally have the evidence of innocence actually be allowed to be presented in court. If you are one of the lucky ones who can present reasonable doubt in this system and get exonerated, it’s not like you can sue the justice system for locking you up for months/years even though you weren’t guilty. The longest someone was held without trial was a decade…. Average is about four months….. if even 10% of these people are innocent, or their crimes were so minor it’s insane to hold them in that facility, there is a SERIOUS ISSUE. If you got arrested for fitting the description of an actual criminal, or for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, would you be cool with spending months at Rykers waiting to hopefully get a favorable court hearing?

[@Epic-so3ek]

@@ceceliaclarkewhy tf are you using “innocent” in quotes. Someone in prison for a crime they haven’t been convicted of is a person who is innocent in custody, and is the fault of an overly slow court system and often a stupid bail system. You sound like either a cop or a correctional officer, probably the latter. Never seen anyone else use the term innocent in quotes.

[@tbhydk]

i wish kalief browder was still alive to reiterate his story and the things he went through on this channel

[@moe0078]

You don't know anything about that kid except what you saw on Netflix and the propaganda the media put. The real problem is the criminal justice system itself and the communities of poverty and crime that he came from. So please...

[@AmberSantana-is3dq]

I was in c74 and in the time I was there I only experienced two riots between my cell block and the cell block next to us and a handful of fights I did 1 year and 3 months eventually I landed the night roll call roll make sure dudes ain’t committing suicide i ended up passing cigarettes etc around luckily for me I had a good friend in my cell block who was connected to the dude who ran the house aka machete as soon as I landed in there and he found out I ised to roll with his lil brother and he came by my cell and said you need a banger (knife) I said no and from there on u was good I was in there with the iPod killer from Brooklyn in 2000 or so and a Chinese kid who killed someone he was living good and I was in there with two brothers who killed a Chinese delivery man in queens and put him in a supermarket shopping cart I won’t lie to you my girl left me while I was locked up she came to see me one time my family never checked up on me I eventually ended up going to ulster county which believe it or not although it was a transfer station I had such a good time cause it was grown men not kids I played softball and worked out all day in the yard it was good compared to rikers it was also nice and everytime we went to chow it was straight lines I spent my time smoking 😂 eventually I got shipped to Greene county and got there spent a moth and got paroled

[@thesungod2360]

I talked to a family member on the phone from Rikers , we was on the phone for hours. Most dudes can't get 10 mins on the phone and he's not in a gang either

[@BibbyLV]

What does that mean

[@4yeSpazz]

@@BibbyLV he took thumb in his bum

[@BibbyLV]

@@4yeSpazz 😧

[@gilbertcruz9203]

😂😂😂

[@LongRange245]

As long as you have money

[@JohnnyScumbagg]

I was on Rikers Island in 2007. C74 , 1 lower North side 17 cell

[@troyelliott390]

Sharing

[@relaxingdrops369]

just to point something out in the rivalries segment 9:50 when he mentioned the trinitarios following by '' i remember when they used to be called DDP(dominicans dont play)'' that's not accurate the trinis and ddp are totally different even though they both Dominican gangs, they are actually rivals. the trinis were founded by junito and caballo.

[@geogmz8277]

🤷🏻‍♂️ I heard that and I was like "what???" Hahaha they shared nationalities but they hey each other and DDPs don't have the strength inside as Trinis do.

[@relaxingdrops369]

@geogmz8277 ik bro i was like my mans dont know what he's talking about lol

[@realfaithlife2104]

Y’all clowns. This man was inside for years and you’re telling him he’s wrong? Get outta here.

[@relaxingdrops369]

@realfaithlife2104 listen to what you said * this man was inside for years ** guess what that doesn't make it facts, keep on moving my guy you have a long way to go !!

[@MaoMoney]

Seems to me like he went in right when trinis was making noise ddp never made noise like the trinis did so you co uld be in the streets i NYC and have no idea what ddp is when them trinis came out thwy made sure they were known everywhere ill xgive em that

[@janegilmore102]

You are a very good speaker. Keep the goodness up. Bless you!

[@edgardolugo540]

The oldest facility on Rikers Island I've been incarcerated in was "H.D.M."...

[@brainfreezetv332]

I been on rikers 2001 to 2004 in C74 then went back 2006 to 2008 OBCC

[@smokedogbaby6263]

Apparently a correctional officer can be a blood or a crip

[@winstonsmith480]

There are plenty of former gang members in the NYPD as as well

[@CMDComMonDenominator]

Yes

[@khristionlouvatin6874]

@@winstonsmith480nycdoc/corrections yes….i find that hard to believe in the nypd…they get weeded out… Show me a blood gang member that’s a cop police

[@ohzee654]

​@@winstonsmith480Current and active

[@kaylaperez8125]

I love shabangs, you can usually find them in any hood deli. It’s really addicting lol

[@d.diggler9936]

I had a friend from high school days. He went towards the dealing of drugs. I always thought it was funny that when talking on the phone, they would switch to Spanish when speaking of illegal acts. Like law enforcement doesn’t know Spanish.

[@jonosay854]

"The Two Yutes"

[@ilandgrl]

The lack of men in households has a huge impact on young boys growing up. A single mom doesn’t have the same impact as having a man around for these boys to look up to. I don’t think closing Rikers is the answer because you still need facilities to house these people. What’s needed is better management of the prison staff so ensure they are following the rules/policies and not endangering the inmates. The NY law that took away bail has actually been a bad thing for us in NY. Criminals are now booked in and let go and a good number of them go on to commit more crimes once they’re back out on the street. There’s a huge push for Gov Hochul to reverse this law but sadly I don’t see that happening.

[@Southsidermark]

Let's be real though those single moms try their best working and they can't be modeling monitoring their kids a lot cuz they're out there working so it's like they just fend for themselves sometimes

[@joeg9766]

The kid grew into a man !! Appreciate your story . It’s tough to go thru that and keep your sanity!

[@jaybayy3876]

its crazy how those "shabang" chips are being sold in corner stores now

[@TianasFrog973]

Them chips were the ish rockn slamn the highlights of the time when you ate them nothing to compare and hard to describe how good

[@Dp652-Ngayongtaongito]

Imagine if All the Inmates Stuck Together.

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

I'm a fan of Insider, watch a lot of these videos, maybe all of them. I'm a film and television actor; I never thought about it before how much this helps me depict my roles with authenticity.

[@Lalaundercover389]

Sending virtual hugs 🫂

[@evolancer211]

Not gonna lie, the code about not messing with LGBTQ was surprising

[@QnzColdest]

Why

[@Keenbeatz1]

It’s not uncommon in gangs🤷🏾‍♂️

[@LaundrymatCat]

😂

[@tigerleoneinc.9282]

It means 'do not associate with them'.

[@DjDobleU809]

Although he went to prison and that's not necessarily a positive thing, he made it out, and now has a more interesting life story than most of us.

[@LaundrymatCat]

Rikers ain't prison.... there's a difference.

[@rubyclark7595]

Prison need to be in Prison. Horrible!!! This is how America corrupts a young Generation

[@vegamineral207]

Man I've got to be honest, the film rewinding sound in these videos is so annoying

[@mookymook90]

My brother didn’t do anything and his girlfriend sent called cops he ended up on rikers over a lie 🤦‍♀️

[@Grimmes12]

Hey that's modern western women for you, Ive always wondered how are women able to stand eachother. You can thanks feminism for giving emotional vile petty women enough to put innocent men behind bars while lying.

[@anthonyjones9843]

I dead believe it. That’s the worst part about Rikers. All the guys in there that legit do NOT need to be in there

[@hellcatdogman3367]

My 1st time riding the jail bus over the bridge, an inmate was talking about how savage C74 was. He also said how cool C76 was. I didn’t understand how things go so when we pulled up in front of C 74, and the officer started calling off names. He called my name and I said, No. I’m going to C76. Officer reply: you betta get your MF Azzz off this bus😂😂😂😂

[@xO_KayKay]

I'm rollin 🤣🤣🤣 Yu Different for that lmaooo😅😂😂😂

[@FLORIDAHOODVLOGS]

9:55 He said latinX... I am out.. goodbye. herd enought. Dont ever disrespect my spanish herritage with this PC crap

[@jungleforeva]

My 6th grade teacher made me and 5 or 6 other learning challenges students fight each other to not have to put their desk in the bathroom and sit there all day for weeks and worse. It was bad.

[@ultimateevilz8937]

i think he got trinis and ddp wrong...they are two rival gangs

[@N.O.NAME8282]

YOU MIGHT BE ILL’IN YOU MIGHT BE WILD’IN BUT YOU WONT BE SMILING ON RIKERS ISLAND!!!!

[@jonnylucky1]

Kool G. Rap the GOAT

[@mmomal1748]

Prisons these days are contracted to for-profit corporations. Therefore it benefits them to incarcerate as many individuals as possible. My nephew was a CO at Florence prison in Colorado. He saw, first hand, the corruption that was happening. He had to quit because he wasn’t willing to do what was expected, I.e., violence toward prisoners, emotional violence and manipulation, bringing in drugs and phones, sleeping and ignoring what was happening on the units. They hired breathing bodies to do the work because they couldn’t get anyone else work there,. Disgusting. Our prison system does nothing but teach prisoners how to be worse criminals. The U,Sl should look at the VERY successful Japanese prison system. It’s amazing

[@craigslist5147]

I grew up in the projects. We were poor. My father worked only menial jobs. I went to school. Never joined a gang and was never in trouble. A police officer never gave me a 2nd look. We never held a family reunion in prison. It can be done.

[@kevinerosa]

Facts. Grew up on Frodham and Jerome. Stayed in the books and away from these clowns. Dont feel bad for any of these dudes, including my own family, who were one-time "residents" of *kool g rap voice* Rikers Island.

[@demsandlibsareswinecancer4667]

That's because poverty does not cause crime. Low character and no education causes crime.

[@realSimoneCherie]

If we measure our society based on exceptions and people who manage to be miserable and compliant despite piss poor living conditions (however noble) the rich will ALWAYS have an example to point to for why nothing should change. “See look at this guy… it can be done” good boy

[@akacollier]

But why is he wearing an earpiece? 20:26

[@simonbinder762]

Makes it less likely his voice overlaps the director's voice when the director wants to ask questions or provide suggestions. Without the earpiece they'd need to rerecord every time that happened.

[@LongRange245]

12 minutes I was in that house when the captain got popped on

[@IvyLeagu]

My cousin is a CO at Rikers Island and he says it is rough and animalistic. The city don't care, and these CO's don't care.. if you do find one it's because they know where you come from and what you maybe have gone through or are going through. My cousin was a ACS worker before he joined Corrections and he tries to understand each inmate and give each one the respect they're due because of the life we've seen and went through within our own family, lives and upbringing. This is why he doesn't judge however he will put the beats on the knuckle heads because not everyone there can be rehabilitated, not every person has a determination to change or want change. Many are there to learn how to become even more violent, how to become more cunning or evil. This young man is the one who sees his worth and sees the road that he was heading and changed his direction on his pathway. He chose the narrow and straight way and I wish him much success. As for my cousin he serves his city and his community the only way he knows how but he is highly trained to hold his own inside them walls with them inmates . Believe that. Growing up in Ocean Hill Brownsville, having a black belt in Karate and jujitsu plus boxing 🥊 has surely prepared him for where he is today in his career. I personally love that he chose to be a CO and not NYPD, he had a chance to become a court officer for our Uncle was a Capitan for the Supreme Court in Brooklyn but he wasn't ready at that time for he was in College and NYPD, well his mother my aunt was unfortunately killed by a stray bullet back in 2004 and when he came up for his psych evaluation, it was weeks after she died so they felt he would take revenge on the public 🤣🤣🤣🤟💯 but he wouldn't had but that was our prayers being answered because I wouldn't want him to serve or patrol these streets of NYC, or be involved with Nay's Finest because we all know they're not. If we didn't have criminals we wouldn't need enforcement or incarceration but like everything else in life there is a balance, Ying verse ☯️ Yang. I hope this young man does great things and makes his own mark on this City or life that he can and will be proud of. Blessings

[@BOSS_805]

The ShaBang chips are super good. Hard to find on the streets too. Only good thing I remember from jail was them chips 🎉

[@LongRange245]

I never understood trying a 16 yr old as an adult

[@ivopires5116]

great life story!!

[@InfamouslyCantankerous]

This system is broken. Sending kids and putting them into these places take kids who made mistakes and turn them in criminals and killers granted there are kids that due terrible things but how do you rehabilitate when the system is set up to turn a kid who stole into a killer 😢

[@user-kl9sr4ry6s]

Pls get rid of that repetitive sound.

[@allen9975]

Very heartbreaking 💔 to hear his story but very true in what he said

[@Prnharlem130st]

Yea heartbreaking for his robbery victim too

[@bxi1547]

He committed the crime and did the time. What’s so heartbreaking about it?

[@middlemangaming1137]

DDP and trinitarios are 2 completely different gangs my guy.

[@paullumpkin7382]

He talking about Brother X ! Good dude

[@brandonyungen6207]

We have shabangs in our county jail lol I just recently found a gas station that sells ‘‘em it was a great find

[@jakobjakob769]

Wait how did he leave the bloods? How did the story with his brother end? That was a pretty dangerous situation right there!

[@IainFrame]

"We're supposed to be picking up our suits". Yes mate, not committing robberies. But you live and learn and i hope you're on the way up. Rykers is a travesty of justice.

[@km7000]

So why does Norway have a better rehabilitation rate for even their violent criminals?

[@IainFrame]

@@km7000 how does your question have anything to do with my comment?

[@malthemasterbarber1091]

Nobody has waited to be seen in court for TEN YEARS while awaiting trial on Rikers!

[@LaundrymatCat]

Right!!😂😂😂

[@malthemasterbarber1091]

@@LaundrymatCat Provide evidence! Everything else is CAP! Oh and it can’t be a state inmate! State inmates are already serving time in NYS DOC PRISON IN OTHERWORDS STATE PROPERTY! If you have an open case and you’re already serving time you can go to any detention facility in NYC aka Rikers! You should also know as an accused person you are entitled to a SPEEDY TRIAL! 180 days in NYS! Most cats can’t testifyat THEIR OWN TRIAL because they asses is guilty! The others are snitching! Learn something before trying to be sarcastic!

[@kitt3813]

"Yoof" of today lol

[@paraicmcgeown]

Imagine going out and robbing someone of their hard earned money then complaining how the prisons treated you

[@antoninat1114]

Everything Kalief Browder said about The Program and Rikers Island was true. May God bless him forever 🕊

[@HellonRIKERSISLAND]

ITS CRAZY EVERYTHING HE SAYING IS FACTS BUT I WAS BEFORE HIS TIME I BELIEVE IN 2006 IT WAS CRAZY N RUFF

[@onceagain6184]

Closing Rikers won't solve these issues, those issues will just spread to different facilities!

[@anthonyjones9843]

Rikers is beyond toxic and unsanitary. Prison will always be prison but it’s the wild Wild West in there.

[@onceagain6184]

@@anthonyjones9843 All jails and prisons in NYS fit those descriptions.

[@ericbumbera664]

lol yeah it’s the prisons fault… not the degenerates that find themselves inside of it. Never ceases to amaze me how these people will find any way to avoid responsibility for their own shitty actions.

[@rethabilenxumalo9742]

But it's a great start at the very least?

[@onceagain6184]

@@rethabilenxumalo9742 No, it isn't.

[@luismarrero3818]

Corporations learn real fast to use the same kind of people that they are abusing, so they can not understand why this is happening with their own people abusing them 😢. Everywhere in the world this is use. It's going to stop when we all come together and Care for everyone 😍 with love ❤️

[@bxi1547]

So basically you want socialism.

[@luismarrero3818]

@@bxi1547 Labels are not good for people. First thing I learned in the university. I don't like them because fools that don't know nothing love to use them. I vote for the best one that has a better 🙏 past. For me actions are better than words. I'm from NYC and I know about racism and how people suffer. That is why I became a clinical social worker and worked in my community for little pay. I don't know why you said socialism, but if is to do good to people call it what you want. I'm a disabled veteran with 10 gun shots wounds and in my wheelchair I went to Fordham university and got a masters degree in Clinical social work and another in theology. But because I did it that doesn't mean that everyone can do it because I learned that there is a lot of people who need help with mental health issues. That is why I care 💅😘🙏

[@chiefengineer488]

​@@bxi1547you have a problem with social responsibility?

[@djtomoy]

Short versions; bad guys go in, good guys come out

[@FatMan888]

Man I’m proud of my boy V I was locked with him in Greene in my dorm big Colombia mad love .

[@johndeer8489]

He rican?

[@FatMan888]

He I remember I think Rican and Dominican

[@nenala7684]

Did he put in wirk?

[@MrCantCallit]

"YOUF"😅

[@SEAZNDragon]

I was with him until he said it took a gang bounty in his brother to get him to think about getting out the gang and crime in general. I understand how poverty can turn people to crime and gangs but you think he would understand having his brother in a rival gang would bring up issues given gang politics. That said he does bring up good points about the treatment of prisoners. Remember, these people are in the care and custody of the government which puts the government on the hook for their health and welfare. No one is asking to give them 5 star accommodations, but no "fight clubs" and sewage in the hallways at least. And before you think that's what criminals deserve for breaking the law, remember corrections officer got to work in the same environment.

[@delanoarts3703]

If your in prison you do whatever you have too there us no choice except lockdown it's totally different rules then the norm it is completely opposite jail house morality is totally different then society morality in prison any normal person is just part of the enemy your against all normal values it twists your mind I grew up in prison been 30 years since I've been there but I get what he is saying it's your life every day

[@MISNM0]

You are way off base

[@MISNM0]

​@@delanoarts3703🫂💛

[@Nikki_with_the_blikki]

EXACTLY! And those who support cruel and unusual punishment in prisons seem to forget that most of those people _are getting out eventually._ 🤦🏾‍♀️ They're laughing at them needing to lose their humanity to survive in there, I wonder if it'll be funny when they move next door👀

[@aschles503]

He was 19 dude. For Christ's sake; still basically a child.

[@MrBiPauler]

This video really reminded me of the movie My Cousin Vinny.

[@bighappy6378]

I was in rikers in 2006 to 2011 from adolescent to an adult, then i went upstate for another 8 years. And trust me, this guy knows nothing about the system, he was probably there only for two monthes and came out thinking he knew everything 😂

[@circusmaster1441]

B.S ALERT... You can tell this guy is full of it. The story about Fight Club was my first clue. My second clue was the way he acts all jumpy. The third clue was his eye's. Watch as his eye's jump around as he tells a story.

[@-alovelygaycat-]

So two of your three “clues” are body language, which can vary from person to person? Sure bud. Suuuuurrree.

[@26michaeluk]

Just to play devil's advocate, that can also mean recalling memories. Body language isn't an exact science.

[@MatthewWright001]

Amazing, impactful video, but the outro sound was super annoying. Don’t let your editor do that next time.