New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Tuesday announced new reforms at Marcy Correctional Facility and the state’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) following the death of Robert Brooks, an inmate at the prison.
A video was released by the state’s attorney general showing correctional officers at the New York facility on Dec. 9 “repeatedly pummeling” a handcuffed Brooks and “striking him in the chest with a shoe, and lifting him by the neck and dropping him,” according to The Associated Press. Brooks was pronounced dead at the hospital the morning after the assault, AP said.
“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,” Hochul said in the press release.
“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,” she added.
The reforms announced by Hochul included a new permanent superintendent at the state prison, expediting a $400 million investment in fixed and body-worn cameras across all facilities, and hiring more staff to manage complaints more efficiently.
National experts for a system-wide review of the department’s practices will be brought in and a whistleblower hotline will be expanded to include additional partnerships with advocacy groups, as well.
Hochul’s visit comes after she had condemned the “senseless” killing of Brooks last week. She had ordered New York State DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello to begin the termination process for the 14 people involved in the fatal assault.
“Like all New Yorkers, I was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks,” Hochul had said.
The FBI Albany Field Office is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death of Brooks.
“The FBI Albany Field Office and the Department of Justice are reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Robert L. Brooks to determine the appropriate federal response,” the FBI said in an emailed statement to The Hill on Saturday.
The bureau added it could not provide further comment as it is an ongoing review.
The AP also reported that the state’s attorney general is investigating the officers’ use of force against Brooks.
