Governor Kathy Hochul has called for the firing of 14 Marcy Correctional Facility staff after their alleged involvement in the death of Robert Brooks, 43. The incident is under investigation, with calls for broader reforms to address violence and accountability in the prison system.

The Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, has instructed the firing of 14 workers at a state prison after they were allegedly involved in an incident that led to the death of an incarcerated man. Robert Brooks, 43, passed away in a local hospital the day after an altercation at the Marcy Correctional Facility in central New York on December 9.

Hochul’s decision to initiate the termination process for 13 correction officers and one prison nurse followed an internal review of the incident, including video footage now under review by prosecutors. In a statement issued on December 21, Hochul emphasized, “We have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse. I am committed to accountability for all involved.”

Daniel F. Martuscello III, the commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), expressed strong support for the governor’s decision, calling it “in the best interest of the agency and the communities we serve.” He also indicated that “additional suspensions may be issued” and condemned the actions of the involved workers. “There is no place for brutality in our department, and we will vigorously pursue justice against the individuals who committed this senseless act,” Martuscello stated.

The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, is investigating the use of force by correction officers that preceded Brooks’ death. Her office’s Special Investigation Unit has obtained video footage of the incident, which will be made public after the Brooks family has had the opportunity to view it. In a statement, James reiterated the need for law enforcement to be held to the highest standards of accountability and pledged transparency in the investigation.

Elizabeth Mazur, the attorney for Brooks’ family, stated that the family had already viewed the video. “As expected, watching the horrific and violent final moments of Robert’s life was devastating for his loved ones, and will be disturbing to anyone who views the video following its release by the attorney general’s office,” Mazur said. She added, “We will not rest until we have secured justice for Robert’s memory, and safety for the prisoners at Marcy Correctional Facility.”

The union representing correctional officers, the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, released a statement noting that some of their executive board members had watched the footage. “What we witnessed is incomprehensible to say the least and is certainly not reflective of the great work that the vast majority of our membership conducts every day,” the union said. “This incident not only endangers our entire membership but undermines the integrity of our profession.”

The union also acknowledged the potential for the incident to draw comparisons to other high-profile law enforcement violence cases, as the footage is released to the public.

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) stated that Brooks’ death is not an isolated event but rather a symptom of a broader issue of violence and lack of accountability within the correctional system. “It highlights a culture of violence and a lack of accountability for wrongdoing by corrections officers that puts the lives of incarcerated New Yorkers at risk,” the NYCLU asserted in a statement.

The Correctional Association of New York (CANY), an organization that provides oversight of the state’s prison system, said that while the termination of the staff involved in Brooks’ death is a necessary first step, more significant reforms are needed. “Governor Kathy Hochul and the legislature must go much further. They need to take bold and courageous actions to fulfill past commitments and bring about a new era of transparency and accountability in state government,” the CANY press release stated.

CANY pointed to a 2022 report from their monitoring visit to the Marcy Correctional Facility, which revealed disturbing levels of abuse and discrimination. According to interviews with incarcerated individuals, 80% reported witnessing or experiencing abuse, and 70% reported racial discrimination. One person at the facility told CANY, “Physical abuse is rampant; the [correction officer] told me when I got here: ‘This is a hands-on facility, we’re going to put hands on you if we don’t like what you’re doing.’”

The correction officers’ union cautioned that this incident could lead to further violence within correctional facilities, making conditions even more hostile and unpredictable. “Our members will face heightened challenges as a result, and any efforts to improve their working conditions and quality of life will be overshadowed by this incident,” the union warned.