New York Governor Cathy Hochul has ordered the firing of 14 state prison employees suspected of being involved in an attack that killed an incarcerated man.
Robert Brooks, 43, died at a local hospital a day after the Dec. 9 incident at Mercy Correctional Facility in central New York.
Hochul said the decision to begin dismissal proceedings for 13 prison officers and a prison nurse was made after an “internal investigation” into the incident, and said the video was being investigated by prosecutors.
“We will not tolerate individuals who cross the line, break the law, and commit unnecessary violence or targeted abuse,” Hochul said in a Dec. 21 statement. “I will take responsibility for everyone involved.”
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Secretary Daniel F. Martucello III said the governor's decision was “in the best interest of our department and the communities we serve,” adding that “additional suspensions are… There is a possibility of a decision being made.”
“I condemn their actions in the strongest terms,” Martusello said. “There is no place for brutality in our department, and we will vigorously pursue justice against the individuals who committed this senseless act.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is investigating “the use of force by correctional officers prior to the death of Robert Brooks at Mercy Correctional Facility,” said in a press release that her Office of Special Investigations He said he had obtained the video. About the incident.
“We will release the footage to the public once Mr. Brooks' family has had a chance to view it,” James said.
“Law enforcement professionals must be held to the highest standards of accountability, and I am committed to providing New Yorkers with the transparency they deserve,” James continued.
Elizabeth Mazur, an attorney for Brooks' family, said in a statement that she and her family have viewed the video. “As expected, watching the horrific and violent final moments of Robert's life was traumatic for his loved ones,” Mazur said in a statement. “Watch this video after the Attorney General's Office releases it. “It's going to be unsettling for everyone.” “We will not rest until we have justice for Robert’s memory and the safety of the prisoners at Mercy Correctional Facility.”
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, the union representing correctional officers, said in a press release that some members of its board of directors have seen footage of the incident.
“What we witnessed was incomprehensible, to say the least, and does not reflect the great work that the vast majority of our members do every day,” a union press release said. Ta. “This incident not only puts all of our members at risk, it undermines the integrity of our profession.”
“If this footage is released to the public, it will undoubtedly draw comparisons to other high-profile violent incidents involving law enforcement,” a press release from the prison officers' union said. .
In the press release, The New York Civil Liberties Union said Brooks' death was “not an isolated incident.”
“Rather, this highlights a culture of violence and a lack of accountability for the misconduct of correctional officers who endanger the lives of incarcerated New Yorkers,” the NYCLU statement said.
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Correctional Corporation of New York (CANY), a prison watchdog organization empowered by state law, said in a statement that firing the officers involved in the incident is “a good start, but Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature need to go further. ” he said.
“We must take bold and courageous action to fulfill past commitments and usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in state government,” a CANY press release said.
Association press release What Brooks points out report Announced last year about a monitoring visit to Mercy Correctional Facility in 2022.
According to CANY, interviews with people incarcerated in the facility found that 80% reported witnessing or experiencing abuse, and 70% reported racial discrimination.
According to a press release, a source interviewed at Mercy Correctional Facility told CANY: of [correction officer] When I got here, he said, “You know what? “This is an experience facility. If I don't like what you're doing, I'll reach out to you. ”
“This incident has the potential to make our correctional facilities more violent, hostile and unpredictable than ever before,” the prison officers' union said.
“As a result, our members will face further hardship, and all efforts to improve their working conditions and quality of life will be overshadowed by this incident.” said.
