When she was elected last year, the Bronx district attorney promised to crack down on crime on Rikers Island. On Thursday, her office set up permanent residence there. NY1's Courtney Gross filed the following report.

From the outset, it's not exactly an impressive office. It's just a trailer in the middle of Rikers Island. 

"This is not just a trailer," said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. It's the newest bureau of the Bronx district attorney's office.

The DA kept her campaign promise and opened a satellite office at the city's massive jail complex.

Inside, there are a few desks and some computers. But officials promise it is going to make Rikers Island safer

"Being on site, the Bronx DA will bring another set of eyes and ears to the island," Clark said.

The office means lawyers for the district attorney will be that much closer to witnesses and evidence when they prosecute crimes that are occurring on Rikers Island, crimes like assaults by inmates or when visitors bring in contraband, like drugs or weapons. 

"We will obviously put all of our resources, any and all resources necessary, to investigate and prosecute all criminal behavior as it occurs here on Rikers Island," said Correction Commissioner Joseph Ponte.

As of the end of August, the district attorney says 993 people were arrested on Rikers Island this year. More than 40 percent were inmates who were arrested for assaulting staff.

Shortly after an alleged crime happens, prosecutors will be able to draft the criminal complaint right here, speeding up the process. 

Lawyers in this bureau will not be responsible for investigating complaints against correction officers. 

"This trailer is not about correction officers. It's not about staff. This trailer is about inmates and its about visitors. It's about the 370 inmates who brought drugs and weapons and K2 onto Rikers Island," said Elias Husamudeen, president of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association.

It's also about reducing a serious backlog of cases. Speeding up the process here, the DA hopes, will speed up the process at criminal court. 

The district attorney says she also wants to open up a courtroom on Rikers Island to speed up these cases. That, she says, is under discussion.