In early December 2024, Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate at Marxy Correctional Facility in New York, died following a severe physical assault by multiple officers in a medical examination room. Body camera footage released by the New York attorney general’s office showed officers punching, kicking and stomping on Brooks while he was restrained. He later succumbed to his injuries, with the preliminary autopsy indicating asphyxia due to neck compression as the cause of death.
|RELATED: Body camera video shows corrections officers striking inmate before his death at N.Y. prison
While the incident itself is tragic, the focus of this article isn’t to dissect the actions of those officers. Their behavior was indefensible. Instead, I want to shed light on the often-overlooked aftermath — the ripple effect such incidents have on the profession of corrections and the thousands of professionals who perform their duties with integrity every day.
A stain on the profession
There are approximately 371,000 correctional officers in the United States. The actions of 14 individuals in New York have placed a stain on all of them. It’s disheartening to know that despite the tireless efforts of the majority, the misconduct of a few can erode the public’s trust in our profession.
These incidents reinforce negative stereotypes about correctional officers, painting us all with the same broad brush. The media coverage, while necessary to expose wrongdoing, often fails to distinguish between the rogue actions of a handful and the professionalism exhibited by the vast majority.
As my colleague, retired Lieutenant Joe Pomponio, says, “Their actions have great culpability on everybody else. Unfortunately, the actions of those 14 should not represent the remainder of the good, solid professional correctional officers out there.”
Policy overhaul and increased restrictions
Whenever an incident of this magnitude occurs, there’s a rush to overhaul policies to mitigate liability. While accountability is necessary, this often results in sweeping changes that restrict the discretion correctional officers need to perform their duties effectively.
One immediate reaction is the tightening of use of force policies, sometimes to the point of limiting staff’s ability to make decisions in complex and fluid situations. Additionally, we see expanded body camera reviews, mandatory reporting for even the most routine actions and an increased administrative workload.
While body cameras and oversight are important tools for transparency and accountability, the unintended consequence is that officers may begin to feel micromanaged. As Joe pointed out, “At some point, you start to scare officers into not doing their jobs. They scrutinize their own actions to the point of insecurity.”
When policies become overly restrictive, it reduces officers’ flexibility to handle volatile inmate interactions. In corrections, adaptability is key — no two situations are alike. Taking away discretion can hinder our ability to respond to rapidly evolving scenarios.
Micromanagement and erosion of trust
Micromanagement often follows high-profile incidents. Leadership may feel compelled to increase oversight, but this can lead to a breakdown in trust between staff and administration. Officers begin to feel as if they’re constantly monitored and second-guessed, which ultimately lowers morale.
When leadership loses faith in the judgment of their frontline staff, it signals that officers can no longer be trusted to perform their duties without constant supervision. This shift damages the relationship between staff and supervisors, fostering resentment and disengagement.
Good leadership, however, can mitigate this. As I often say, “Tell me what you want done, but let me manage the how.” When leaders empower their staff and stand by them, morale improves, and officers feel supported.
Public perception and media bias
Public perception plays a significant role in how corrections officers are viewed following incidents like the one involving Robert Brooks. Media scrutiny reinforces negative stereotypes, and the public, often unfamiliar with the realities of corrections work, assumes that all officers operate in the same manner.
This misconception is damaging. The reality is that most correctional officers uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. When the public lumps the entire profession together, it fuels distrust and undermines the work we do.
This is why it’s crucial for leadership to stand up and advocate for their staff. As Joe emphasizes, “We need more people standing up for the workforce that’s doing their job.” Leaders should separate the actions of the few from the profession as a whole and make it clear that the vast majority of correctional officers are dedicated to maintaining order and safety.
Impact on staff-inmate dynamics
One of the most significant ripple effects of incidents like this is the shift in staff-inmate dynamics. Inmates see these situations as opportunities to test limits, knowing that officers may hesitate to respond assertively for fear of backlash.
This hesitation can lead to slower interventions during critical incidents, increasing the risk of unrest and jeopardizing the safety of both staff and inmates. When officers feel unsupported and constantly under the microscope, it creates an environment where inmates become emboldened while staff become more cautious.
It’s a dangerous combination — emboldened inmates and hesitant staff. The result is a disruption in the balance of power, with inmates feeling empowered to manipulate the system.
Training and the illusion of progress
In response to public pressure, leadership often emphasizes additional training aimed at improving optics rather than addressing practical concerns. While training on use of force limitations and de-escalation is essential, it can become repetitive and ineffective if not paired with meaningful solutions.
Experienced staff may feel frustrated by the redundancy, viewing these sessions as a superficial attempt to appease the public rather than a genuine effort to enhance their skills. As one officer put it, “The focus is on avoiding lawsuits or bad press, even if it means sacrificing operational efficiency or safety.”
Moving forward: Balancing accountability and support
While accountability is critical, it must be balanced with support for the frontline professionals who perform their duties with integrity. It’s essential to remember that the actions of a few do not define the entire profession.
Leadership must find ways to hold individuals accountable without punishing the entire workforce. This means resisting the urge to implement broad, reactionary policies and instead focusing on targeted measures that address the root causes of misconduct.
In times of crisis, the profession of corrections needs advocates who can defend the majority without excusing the misconduct of the minority. As correctional officers, we are often the unseen heroes behind the wall. It’s time the public recognizes that distinction.
As always, stay safe out there.
Corrections1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
