New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the dismissal of 13 correction officers and a nurse employed at the Marcy correctional facility in central New York. This action follows an internal review and the review of video evidence related to the death of 43-year-old Robert Brooks, who died in a local hospital a day after a December 9th incident at the facility.
Governor Hochul stated in a December 21st statement that there is “no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse,” emphasizing her commitment to accountability. Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III echoed this sentiment, calling the governor’s decision “in the best interest of the agency” and hinting at further suspensions. He strongly denounced the officers’ actions, asserting that “there is no place for brutality in our department.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose office is investigating the use of force by correction officers leading up to Mr. Brooks’ death, confirmed that her office of special investigation possesses video footage of the incident. She stated that this footage will be released to the public after Mr. Brooks’ family has had the opportunity to view it. Attorney Elizabeth Mazur, representing Brooks’ family, confirmed that the family has viewed the video and described it as devastating and horrific.
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), the union representing correctional workers, acknowledged viewing the footage, calling the events incomprehensible and not representative of the majority of its members. They expressed concern that the incident endangers its membership and undermines the profession’s integrity. The union also anticipates public comparisons to other high-profile incidents of law enforcement violence.
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) described Brooks’ death as indicative of a broader culture of violence and lack of accountability within the correctional system. The Correctional Association of New York (CANY), a prison oversight organization, while applauding the terminations, called for further action to improve transparency and accountability within state government. CANY cited a 2022 report detailing widespread reports of abuse and racial discrimination among incarcerated individuals at the Marcy facility, with 80% reporting witnessing or experiencing abuse and 70% reporting racial discrimination. One individual interviewed by CANY stated that “Physical abuse is rampant.”
Finally, the correction officers’ union expressed concern that this incident could exacerbate violence and hostility within correctional facilities, further challenging the working conditions of its members.