Federal judge seizes control of NYC’s jail system — including troubled Rikers Island

A federal judge seized control of New York City’s troubled jail system Tuesday — ordering that an outside official be brought in to clean up Rikers Island and other lock-ups.

The 77-page order by Manhattan federal Judge Laura Swain effectively appoints a federal receiver – a long-desired wish by advocates – to correct dangerous conditions in Rikers that city and Department of Correction officials have tried and failed to do under a decade-old court case known as Nunez.

“The Nunez Remediation Manager will be granted broad powers, similar to those described in the Receivership Proposal,” Swain wrote.

Swain gave the city and advocates an Aug. 29 deadline to recommend potential candidates.