The Role of Rikers Island Enhanced Security Housing Unit in Prison Security and Vulnerable Population Protection
Overview
This paper examines the corrective and security functions of Rikers Island's Enhanced Security Housing Unit (ESHU). The author argues that ESHU serves critical purposes in protecting vulnerable populations including juvenile offenders and LGBTQ individuals, while also preventing gang-related violence and institutional disruptions within the prison facility.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to ESHU's role in promoting prison security
- Protection of juvenile offenders from exploitation and criminal influence
- Security measures for LGBTQ individuals against harassment and stigmatization
- Gang separation and prevention of organized violence and institutional threats
Preview
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Rikers Island Enhanced Security Housing Unit (ESHU) serves several corrective purposes in the community. Primarily, ESHU is significant in promoting security within the prison facility. ESHU protects the minors in the prison facility. Juvenile offenders are the most vulnerable community members, and they deserve to be saved (Rakia). They tend to be the most targeted group of assault and humiliation. If juvenile offenders are not covered, then they face the risks that are associated with criminal activities. For instance, if juvenile offenders are not separated from adults, they might acquire certain criminal traits. Moreover, young offenders will not correct their habits but instead develop new habits by interacting with adults.
Another vulnerable group that the Rikers Island Enhanced Security Housing Unit (ESHU) protects is the LGBTQ. This group of people is lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender, and the queer (Rakia). The LGBTQ community is a sensitive group of people who could be exploited in the prison facility. Prisoners can humiliate them because of their choice of sexuality, and this leads to stigmatization and depression. Moreover, these offenders are more harmful when they are grouped. Hence, if violent prisoners are separated from the other prisoners, then the LGBTQ will be protected.
Furthermore, the Rikers Island Enhanced Security Housing Unit (ESHU) also promotes security by separating gangs. Gangs are a liability in any given prison setup and the community in general. They tend to engage in violent activities that cause damages and fatalities in prisons.