TAKE ACTION

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⚡️Dean Fuleihan, First Deputy Mayor

Step 1: Call First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan at (212) 341-9425

Step 2: Use the script

Long version: My name is [Blank] and I am a resident of NYC. I am calling to demand that you immediately take action to release everyone currently detained on Rikers and across city jails, beginning with those most vulnerable to COVID-19, including people over 50, people with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised people.

 MOCJ & DOC data shows that the doubling rate is growing exponentially on Rikers each day. Based on your own City reported data, New York City will not be able to control this virus until we free all people on Riker’s Island, and in all city jails. The only way to protect public health is to free everyone immediately. 

Short version: Hi, my name is [Blank] and as a resident of NYC I’m calling to demand that the deputy mayor take action to immediately release everyone detained in NYC city jails, beginning with people over 50, people with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised people.  During this pandemic, the only way to protect public health is to free everyone immediately. 

Step 3: Email Dean Fuleihan at DFuleihan@cityhall.nyc.gov (you can copy and paste the script with your info)

Step 4: Report back on what they said by filling out this Google Form: bit.ly/FreeThemAllReportback

⚡️ Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of NY State Courts

Step 1: Call Janet DiFiore at
(212) 428-2100

Or comment at: https://www.nycourts.gov/excellence-initiative/

Step 2: Use the Script

“My name is [BLANK] and I am a resident of [JURISDICTION]. I am calling because I am concerned that COVID-19 has spread to incarcerated people in jails and prisons across the state, and alarmed that the state has not yet taken necessary and immediate steps to release people from city and county jails and state prisons to prevent the deadly spread of coronavirus among our most vulnerable community members. I am calling to respectfully request that:

1. Your office release a public statement supporting clemency and release for people currently serving time in city and county jails and state prisons across New York;
   
2. Your office direct judges to release people from incarceration when they receive motions from defense attorneys to end sentences;
   
3. Your office release a public statement supporting judges in using their discretion to sentence people to time served, no jail time, or alternative non-custodial sentences;
   
4. Your office direct judges to release people on their own recognizance, without supervision conditions, during the pretrial period;
   
5. Your office release a public statement supporting the elimination of pretrial detention.
   

Across the country, jails and prisons are taking the unprecedented step of releasing hundreds and thousands of people from detention, and recent polling suggest that the majority of people in the United States are in support of this measure. New York City residents are no different.

Step 3: Report back on what they said here bit.ly/FreeThemAllReportback

⚡️Liz Glazer, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice

Step 1: TEXT Liz Glazer at (917) 913-2253
Or email her at eglazer@cityhall.nyc.gov

Step 2: Use the script

Dear Ms. Glazer,
I am emailing because I am concerned that COVID-19 has spread to incarcerated people on Rikers, and alarmed that the city has not yet taken necessary and immediate steps to release people from city jails to prevent the deadly spread of coronavirus among our most vulnerable community members. 

I am calling to respectfully request that:

1. The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice direct the NYC DOC to begin discharge plans for everyone currently detained on Rikers and across city jails, beginning with those most vulnerable to COVID-19, including people over 50, people with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised people;
   
2. The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice release a public statement immediately supporting the rapid decarceration of city jails;
   
3. The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice work with District Attorneys and Judges to ask for their support of the rapid decarceration of NYC jails;
   
4. The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice work with City Council to develop a plan and budget to provide housing and healthcare to everyone being released from city jails.
   

Across the country, jails and prisons are taking the unprecedented step of releasing hundreds and thousands of people from detention, and recent polling suggest that the majority of people in the United States are in support of this measure. New York City residents are no different.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Step 3: Report back on what they said here bit.ly/FreeThemAllReportback

Check back tomorrow for the next call to action!