Kemal Rideout, the accused subway slasher, has an extensive criminal record spanning 15 years. It includes charges such as attempted rape, assault, criminal mischief, and forcible touching. Additionally, Rideout has a troubling history of mental illness. Despite this, the recently passed Clean Slate Act in New York allows for older offenses to be automatically removed from public records, potentially leaving the public unaware of the failures in the system if Governor Kathy Hochul signs the bill.
Unfortunately, state lawmakers have failed to address the issue of the “mental health revolving door.” Rideout, now facing three counts of felony assault, has had five previous arrests in New York. According to law enforcement sources, he avoided conviction in four of those cases, including the rape charge, by pleading “not responsible” due to mental disease or defect. This meant that mandatory treatment was not imposed until he was no longer considered a threat, resulting in his rapid return to the streets.
Despite claims from Rideout’s own aunt about his mental instability, he has been allowed to terrorize the citizens of New York. Lawmakers have repeatedly refused to make it easier for families, law enforcement, or the courts to involuntarily commit dangerously mentally ill individuals for psychiatric treatment.
One of Rideout’s victims, a 28-year-old woman, sustained a severe thigh injury that required immediate medical attention. Rather than addressing this issue, Albany has implemented no-bail laws that allow wrongdoers, regardless of their mental state, to avoid jail time until their trial. These individuals often end up in alternative-to-incarceration programs where compliance is not adequately enforced. Rideout’s current detention in Rikers Island is only due to the consideration of him being a “flight risk” as he was found carrying an overnight bag when apprehended.
It is long overdue for us to put an end to this revolving door. Any verdict involving dangerous mental illness should result in prolonged commitment, with the state providing the necessary funding for the thousands of inpatient psychiatric beds required to meet this demand. We are not doing these individuals any favors by releasing them back onto the streets. Just look at Jordan Neely, who tragically lost his life on an F train, despite being on the city’s list of the top 50 homeless individuals in need of help. These individuals frequently enter and exit treatment and shelters, perpetuating a cycle of despair. Mayor Eric Adams is advocating for the involuntary hospitalization of more mentally ill homeless individuals, and it is crucial for state and city lawmakers to support his efforts. Additionally, expanding his B-HEARD pilot program, which offers non-police responses to 911 calls involving individuals with suspected mental illness, should be considered.
It is essential that we do not allow jails and prisons to serve as substitutes for proper treatment of the dangerously mentally ill. However, taking no action and leaving them free to endanger themselves and the public is equally irresponsible.
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