Governor Hochul Demands Answers After Prisoner’s Death
Governor Kathy Hochul visited the Marcy Correctional Facility on Monday, December 30, to demand answers after the death of Robert Brooks, a prisoner who died on December 10 following an encounter with officers at the facility. Brooks’ death has sparked outrage and calls for reform in the state’s prison system.
Investigation and Corrective Actions
The New York State Attorney General’s office released videos of the incident on December 27, and an investigation is currently underway. Governor Hochul has ordered an immediate and full investigation into Brooks’ death. Additionally, she has directed the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel Martuscello to terminate every person involved in the incident. Currently, 13 employees have been suspended without pay, and one has resigned.
Governor’s Corrective Actions
To address the issues raised by Brooks’ death, Governor Hochul announced a range of corrective actions, including:
- The expedited installation of fixed cameras and body-worn cameras at all DOCCS facilities.
- The addition of DOCCS staff to the Office of Special Investigations to ensure timely handling of complaints and accountability.
- The hiring of an outside firm to review practices, culture, and patterns across the state’s correctional system.
- The expansion of the DOCCS whistleblower hotline to facilitate anonymous tips from employees, contractors, and incarcerated individuals.
- The allocation of $2 million to expand DOCCS’ partnership with the Correctional Association of New York (CANY).
- The launch of a new partnership with AMEND, a public health and human rights program, to assess facility culture and offer recommendations for improvement.
- The launch of a new partnership with Chicago Beyond to analyze and improve practices within facilities.
- The creation of a new dedicated unit on the future of prisons in the state within the Council of Community Justice.
Governor’s Statement
"Today, as I stood in the room where Robert Brooks was killed, I was once again heartbroken by this unnecessary loss of life and further sickened to think of the actions of depraved individuals with no regard for human life," Governor Hochul said in a statement. "Mr. Brooks and his family did not deserve this. I told both Marcy leadership and the incarcerated individuals that I met with that every single individual who enters a DOCCS facility deserves to be safe, whether they are employed there or serving their time. The system failed Mr. Brooks, and I will not be satisfied until there has been significant culture change. Today I am implementing a number of new policies at Marcy and within DOCCS, and I look forward to continuing to hear ideas from experts, elected officials, and advocates as we continue this work."
FAQs
Q: What happened to Robert Brooks?
A: Robert Brooks, a prisoner at the Marcy Correctional Facility, died on December 10 after an encounter with officers at the facility.
Q: What is the investigation into Brooks’ death?
A: An investigation is currently underway, and the New York State Attorney General’s office has released videos of the incident.
Q: What corrective actions has Governor Hochul taken?
A: Governor Hochul has ordered an immediate and full investigation into Brooks’ death, directed DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello to terminate every person involved in the incident, and announced a range of corrective actions to address issues in the state’s correctional system.
