Concerns at Manhattan Psychiatric Center

For the last three months, staff at the substantial Manhattan psychiatric center have been discreetly relocating dangerous inmates, including the notorious “Butcher of Tompkins Square Park,” to the non-criminal area of the facility for some fresh air. This shift comes after a plumbing issue caused the facility’s elevators to shutdown, as insiders revealed.

Dr. Catherine Mortierre, a psychologist at the hospital that serves both forensic and civilian patients, mentioned, “Forensic patients really appreciate this hospital. They often end up in civil hospitals.” However, there are mounting concerns among the employees that a criminal inmate might pose a risk to others without proper restraints.

Two inmates are reported to have accessed the ward since the elevator incident, as one source noted, “they couldn’t get downstairs, but they managed to get to the elevator.”

One staff member mentioned, “Just sit in the elevator and be quiet, and you’ll blend in quickly.”

Among those confined is Daniel Rakowitz, infamously known for dismembering his girlfriend in 1989 and reportedly serving soup made from her remains to homeless individuals in a local park. “These are the individuals who made headlines,” said a staffer. “You don’t even realize you’re surrounded by sex offenders, rapists, and arsonists.”

In 2020, 228 inmates, nearly half of whom were ruled insane by the courts, were moved from the fortified Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center on Wards Island to a section of the nearby Manhattan Psychiatric Center.

September saw the second incident of flooding caused by a burst pipe, reminiscent of the previous flooding in 2020 just after the transfers. Video footage captured the water streaming from the ceiling.

Inmates, with limited visitation options, can use iPads for virtual family visits. The agency provides various distractions, such as pizza, candy, and even a pumpkin-decorating contest to help keep inmates calm.

Dr. Mortierre expressed concern over the lack of fresh air and windows in the new building, stating, “The patients feel trapped here.” She worried that the confined environment could lead to increasing agitation. “We all fear something might happen.”

Another worker, speaking anonymously due to potential retaliation, noted that patients were “angry” and expressed frustration, frequently asking about family visits.

In the older Kirby facility, windows had bars and could be opened, a stark contrast to the current structure, which lacks ventilation. Officials from the state Department of Mental Health acknowledged the flooding concerns but emphasized their commitment to safety.

An agency spokesperson stated, “While unforeseen environmental issues can occur, we always prioritize the safety and security of our patients and staff.”