New York Jails Holding $4.2 Million Of Unused Commissary On Their Books
Former detainees who were once housed in Rikers Island and other correctional facilities within New York City have left a substantial sum of $4.2 million untouched in their commissary accounts, and this amount remains pending for reimbursement, according to authorities.
As of May this year, the Department of Corrections for the city reported that this sizable pool of funds is associated with over 319,000 commissary accounts held by former inmates. It’s worth noting that some of these accounts could pertain to the same individuals due to repeated incarcerations, though the count of individuals entitled to refunds would still be in the thousands.
The information concerning these unclaimed funds, totaling millions, was disclosed in accordance with recent city legislation, mandating that correctional facilities must annually make public the figure of refundable commissary funds.
In compliance with the 2021 City Council legislation, the Department of Corrections is also required to outline its annual initiatives aimed at returning these funds to their previous detainees.
The report, initially highlighted by The City, stated that the department took measures to inform incarcerated individuals about the residual funds and the process to reclaim them, including the placement of informational flyers within various detention centers.
“Formerly incarcerated individuals can retrieve their unused commissary funds in person at Department Cashier Windows or provide the Department with a mailing address for sending a check by mail,” the report explained.
“When individuals are discharged from the Department’s custody to the community, they can promptly obtain up to $200 in cash from such funds.”
The ultimate fate of any unclaimed funds remains uncertain. At a certain point, correctional officials suggested that inmates participate in a vote to determine how these funds might be utilized, possibly for purposes like acquiring new gym equipment.
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