Rikers Island Clothing - what do they wear?

Question

Hi! I am a costume designer working on a show that takes place in Rikers Island. I have never been there, and there are few pictures from there since photography is not allowed. I want to costume the show accurately so my question is:

If the inmates at Rikers wear jumpsuits, what color are they? I have heard grey, orange, blue from several people. Is there a color hierarchy or something? Do they wear different colors for different activities?

What about the corrections officers? What style/color uniforms do they wear?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! I am especially looking for someone who has been there and observed for themselves the uniforms of the inmates/officers. As specific as you can be!

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Interesting question.  Not quite sure and uniforms change, as well as color designations for hospital, maximum security, discipline, etc.  

Rikers has a press office.  Contact them directly at:  http://www.nyc.gov/html/doc/html/how/vis...

Answer 2

I just finished serving a 60 day sentence there... different colors for different inmates (sentenced, non-sentenced, juveniles, troublemakers, etc.)

I have to run out now but I will give you the details when I get back.