The New York State Department of Corrections has opened a wellness center for Riker guards with a “quiet room,” gym, and business center in an ongoing effort to help COs live healthy lives.
The space is located within the Otis Bantam Correctional Center and is staffed by 800 uniformed staff members. The Department of Corrections plans to open similar centers at other Rikers facilities, according to a news release.
“Making these resources available on-island allows us to better support the physical and mental health of our staff and ensure they have more opportunities to receive valuable training,” said New York City Department of Corrections Commissioner. Lynelle McGinley-Liddy said in the release.
Prison officials say the gym is equipped with full-service exercise equipment, the business center is equipped with computers and the quiet room provides a quiet space to relax after stressful events. That's what it means.
“Our staff are our greatest resource, and investing in them is like investing in a secure prison,” Majinley-Liddy said.
Correctional officer Christopher Curry, 40, said the business center gives him a place to check his email while he's in prison, and the meditation room stays open during his two-hour commute from Long Island during his shift at the notoriously violent prison. He said it also helps him calm down. .
“You can go in there and collect your thoughts and feel safe and calm,” said Curry, who appreciates the white noise machine and subdued lighting. “They have stress balls. They have special sheets that align the spine. They have motivational art pieces. They have lamps with a really warm light.”
The gym helps Curry, who has a 14-month-old and a 3-year-old, find time to train.
“It's like a Lifetime Fitness-type gym,” he said of the facility, which features state-of-the-art weight training and cardio equipment. “I feel myself getting healthier.”
