the big house for the Big Apple, Rikers Island consists of ten separate jail blocks. well known for its gang violence, legend has it that its corridors are more dangerous than the worst suburbs of the Bronx. shank happy prisoners stab each other on a daily basis and in house searches have to be conducted by heavily armed Swat teams. penalties for being found in possession of a weapon in this establishment usually amount to extra years, whilst many inmates argue that the penalty for being found without a weapon at a critical time is usually your death.