Google Sightseeing takes you on tour of the world as seen from satellite, using the free Google Earth program, or Google Maps in your web browser. Each weekday your guides James and Alex present new weird and wonderful sights as suggested by readers.

The editors: James & Alex

Rikers Island

Tuesday, 3rd May 2005 by James

Rikers Island is New York City’s largest jail facility and has 15,000 inmates. The only access to (and exit from) the island is via the Rikers Island Bridge to the south.

Riker ISland

Thanks: Michael Kizer & Karen

18 Responses to 'Rikers Island'

  1. 1. BenJ says:

    Fences? I think those are lights for the runways…

  2. 2. Gergtreble. says:

    Wow!
    Thats a big prison!
    I bet the inmates get annoyed by the constant aircraft noise.
    What airport is that anyway?

    Greg

  3. 3. Alex says:

    Well I suppose *someone* has to be next to the airport… These guys have no choice!

    The airport is La Guardia (Hehe, I clicked the ‘map’ link to find out!)

  4. 4. Chris says:

    Yep, the “fences” are approach lights for the runways at La Guardia.

  5. 5. murph says:

    fences in the water would not be visible from space…
    duh

  6. 6. phil says:

    Indeed, that’s La Guardia. JFK airport is considerably southeast of there.

    There’s a boat and some other water craft docked at the north end, so presumably the bridge isn’t the only way in/out.

  7. 7. James says:

    Murph, fences **are** visible from space, if they’re big enough (duh). The [us and mexico border][1] has a fence that runs into the water.

    However, on further inspection I’d agree that they are probably just lights for the runways. Which is a shame, as fences to stop people swimming to freedom made Rikers Island seem *even more* like it was designed for a Bruce Willis movie.

    [1]: Placemark: Google Maps / Google Earth

  8. 8. JWK says:

    So that’s the building they talk about in Law and Order all the time.

  9. 9. jher says:

    having landed there a few times, those are definately the landing lights for the runway. its a damn short runway.

  10. 10. Anne says:

    What a depressing place! There are like 10 trees, a dilapidated running track and 2 tennis courts, and all those ugly X buildings. I guess it’s not really supposed to be Disneyworld, though.

  11. 11. Corey Vilhauer says:

    **Peter Nicodos**: But I’m innocent. I didn’t kill anybody.
    **ADA Jack McCoy**: You’ve already learned the Rikers Island theme song. Good for you.

  12. 12. cacafuego says:

    Man that’s a big prison.

  13. 13. Ed J. says:

    Scroll a little bit to the southwest and you will see Shea Stadium, home of one of the most important concerts The Beatles ever gave, and the home of the New York Mets baseball team. Just a little bit more in that same direction brings up Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, and the remains of the 1964 world’s Fair.

  14. 14. cookie monster says:

    Thanks for that donal - all very interesting!
    I’ll be sure to be in touch!

    …..not!

  15. 15. tiffniqua says:

    my name is tiffniqua randolph my dad name is Brett sean david williams and was once in your jail i was only witin tis because i never really got to know him like i really wanted to and i mis him so i was just wonderin if there will any imformation that you can give me if so thank you if not thank you any way.

  16. 16. Robin says:

    Does anyone know how I can find a paticular inmate at rikers? My baby just got locked up there and I’m in vegas with no clue on how to get in contact!

  17. 17. Kathy says:

    Having been an imate on Rikers Island several times I can attest to the fact that it REALLY is one place you NEVER want to wind up in!! If you think the photos look bleak…the inside is much worse!! Having said that, I have since given up my reservations to the Island and now enjoy a much better life!

  18. 18. billybill231 says:

    I myself have been on this island as an inmate on several occasions. The first time I was on Rikers was 1985. The last was 1990. Its been 17 years since I have been on that island. Rikers Island was the scariest place I have ever been to. Ive seen a lot of crazy things on Rikers! By the grace of God I will never have to experience a place like Rikers ever again!

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