Former inmates and activists held a rally Friday afternoon at the Bronx District Attorney's Office, calling for an investigation into claims of abuse at Riker's Island.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara spoke of what he called a pattern of inmate abuse at Riker's Island and called for an end to it. Former prisoners agree, describing the alleged abuse at the prison as "out of control." One mother says her son suffered permanent wrist damage from alleged beatings at the prison.

Those at the rally want the Bronx DA to prosecute correctional officers for allegedly beating prisoners.

Bharara suggested increasing video surveillance, as the investigation found that prisoners would be dragged into areas without video cameras to be beaten.