By Robert Harding
The Citizen
AUBURN, N.Y. — A union representing state corrections officers says it does not condone the death of an inmate at a central New York prison, adding that the incident “endangers our entire membership” and “undermines the integrity of our profession.”
In its statement, the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association said its leadership reviewed video showing part of the attack that occurred Dec. 9 at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County .
“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,” NYSCOPBA said.
Robert L. Brooks was the incarcerated individual killed in the incident. Reports indicate that Brooks, who was handcuffed, attempted to bite a correction officer. Officers responded by attacking Brooks.
Brooks was transported to a local hospital, where he died Dec. 10 . He was 43.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered the firing of 14 employees, most of whom are correction officers, for their involvement in the attack.
“The vast majority of correction officers do extraordinary work under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service,” Hochul said. “But we have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse.”
The incident is being reviewed by the state attorney general’s office and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Office of Special Investigations .
Attorney General Letitia James announced Saturday that her office will release body camera video of the attack after Brooks’ family has viewed it.
“Law enforcement professionals must be held to the highest standards of accountability, and I am committed to providing New Yorkers with the transparency they deserve,” James said.
Prison violence has been increasing over the last several years. As of Dec. 1 , DOCCS has reported 2,697 assaults on incarcerated individuals and 1,938 assaults on staff this year — both records.
NYSCOPBA has highlighted several incidents in which members were injured. Some of those attacks have led to prosecutions of incarcerated individuals for assaulting officers.
In response to the beating death of Brooks, NYSCOPBA noted that members “face daunting odds and the very real possibility of encountering violence,” but added that the “overwhelming majority of our members endure these challenges with the composure and professionalism that we demand of them, and that they demand of themselves.”
“However, what transpired at Marcy Correctional Facility is the opposite of everything NYSCOPBA and its membership stand for,” the union continued. “When this footage is released to the public, it will undoubtedly draw comparisons to other high-profile incidents of violence involving law enforcement. This incident has the potential to make our correctional facilities even more violent, hostile and unpredictable than ever before.
“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.”
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