FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The recently released body camera footage showing the horrific and deadly beating of Robert Brooks while in handcuffs in the Marcy Correctional Facility’s infirmary shows a clear and unacceptable abuse of power that resulted in a senseless loss of life as a result of torture. The actions of the 14 officers responsible are horrifying, harm the reputations and safety of hardworking and honest Correctional Officers, and do nothing to reduce crime and improve public safety in our state. I commend the Attorney General for performing an independent investigation through the Office of Special Investigations into this use of force by Correctional Officers. I also applaud the swift response from Governor Hochul and the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) on terminating the employment of the 14 individuals involved in the assault and I welcome Governor Hochul’s announcement directing Department leaders to implement immediate changes to protect the safety and well-being of all incarcerated individuals and DOCCS personnel in our state’s correctional facilities.
The Attorney General’s investigation, the termination of the officers responsible for Mr. Brooks’ murder, and the implementation of immediate changes at Marcy Correctional Facility are important steps towards accountability. However, the body camera footage of the assault on Mr. Brooks exposes a broader culture of violence and abuse within our correctional facilities. Mass incarceration and the culture it fosters results in tragedies like the death of Mr. Brooks, a culture that is created and sustained when Correctional Officers believe they can engage in such conduct with impunity. We must establish stronger safeguards to hold abusive officers to the highest standards of accountability and end the culture of silence that protects violent and deadly behavior in our prisons. We also need to have open and honest dialogue about the ineffectiveness of our current system of corrections to foster corrections. The current system creates a toxic environment for and among those incarcerated as well as Correctional Officers, healthcare workers, and other personnel. We need to end the focus on solutions that will make the carceral system more toxic and instead emphasize solutions that will incentivize rehabilitation and transformation and ultimately reduce crime and improve public safety. We also need to prioritize alternatives to incarceration and reentry programming that fosters full and healthy reintegration into communities.
My deepest condolences are with Mr. Brooks’ family as they grieve and navigate this unimaginable loss. Mr. Brooks and his community deserve justice and a commitment to systemic reform in our correctional facilities to prevent such an incident from ever occurring again. I stand with the growing calls demanding justice for Mr. Brooks and will work with my colleagues in the state government to ensure accountability.
With solemn regard,
Anna Kelles, Ph.D.
Member of Assembly, 125th District
