Why does Rikers Island Jail move inmates so much?
Hello again, my inmate is in Rikers island jail but it's the third time they have moved him to another building, why do they move him all the time?
Vicky Apostolou
https://www.inmateaid.com/ask-the-inmate
There are many reasons that inmates are moved.
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There are many reasons that inmates are moved. Most of the time it is nothing to be concerned with. There are changes in the inmate population which require movement and aligning certain inmates with the same classification type based upon the criminal history, violence associated with their crime and length of sentence. Many times, the inmate gets their custody level changed for the better - calling "working your way down" as in the type of housing and security.
https://www.inmateaid.com/ask-the-inmate/why-does-rikers-island-jail-move-inmates-so-much#answer
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Accepted Answer Date Created: May 04,2015
InmateAid
https://www.inmateaid.com
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This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed April 2026.