Following the conclusion of an internal investigation, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Jun. 26 that 17 uniformed Department of Correction staff will be charged for their conduct surrounding the death of 27-year-old trans woman, Layleen Polanco, at Rikers Island in June 2019.
As reported recently by Norwood News, Polanco, according to earlier reports, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a cab driver and for possession of a controlled substance, and was being held at Rikers Island on a $500 bail. She died on Jun. 7, 2019 following an epileptic seizure, according to a medical examiner. She had been placed in solitary confinement at the time of her death. Her family and other advocates are calling for an end to solitary confinement.
Following the internal investigation, three officers and one captain will be suspended without pay immediately. This comes as the Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark filed no charges following a six-month investigation by her office into the circumstances surrounding Polanco’s death.
“The death of Layleen Polanco was an incredibly painful moment for our city,” said de Blasio. “What happened to Layleen was absolutely unacceptable and it is critical that there is accountability.”
Meanwhile, Department of Correction Commissioner Cynthia Brann said, “We are committed to ensuring that all of our facilities are safe and humane. Even one death in our custody is one too many and this swift and fair determination on internal discipline makes clear that the safety and well-being of people in our custody remains our top priority”.
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Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.
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This was my sister she wasn’t evil or bad type of Person she just made mistakes like we all do but over all she’s the happiest person I ever met even at her worst
I’m so sorry for your loss Jeff. Sending you strength and courage.