Jail watchdogs move toward rewriting NYC rules over inmate visits, solitary confinement

The New York City jail oversight board has voted to begin the process of changing rules governing inmate visits and solitary confinement.

The watchdog Board of Correction voted 5-3 at a public hearing Tuesday to initiate the bureaucratic rulemaking process.

Jail officials have said certain visitors shouldn't be allowed to see inmates at the Rikers Island jail complex because they smuggle in drugs and weapons.

They also want to amend a rule granting a seven-day reprieve between 30-day stints in solitary confinement for inmates who commit violent acts.

Some board members questioned the proposed changes.

They argued the Department of Correction's visitation limits are too vaguely written and proposed changes to solitary confinement are a step backward.