ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York Attorney General’s office is set to release disturbing body camera footage by week’s end, exposing the events leading to the death of an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility early December, insiders disclosed. The disclosure comes amid heightened calls for transparency and accountability in the handling of a conflict that resulted in the fatality of 43-year-old Robert Brooks.
Brooks lost his life on December 10 following a confrontation involving several correction officers at the medium-security prison located in Oneida County. This incident prompted Governor Kathy Hochul to order the termination of 14 correctional staff members linked to the tragic event. The deceased was serving a 12-year sentence for a 2016 assault on his girlfriend.
In response to the outcry, State Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the critical necessity for law enforcement officials to be held to rigorous standards. “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 stated, underscoring a commitment to openness in the face of tragic circumstances.
Currently, the definitive cause of death has not been announced as examinations continue. It was reported that before his death, Brooks was hospitalized following brutal treatment by multiple officers while restrained in handcuffs.
The upcoming release of the body cam footage has raised concerns among state officials who worry about the potential public backlash due to its graphic nature. State legislators have already visited the correctional facility to view the footage ahead of its public disclosure.
While the mechanism for the release of such footage isn’t mandated by state law, the Attorney General’s Office has chosen to do so proactively. New York legislation mandates an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office into any civilian deaths arising from law enforcement encounters to ensure compliance and accountability.
Offering condolences, AG James expressed her sympathies towards Brooks’ family, signaling a solemn acknowledgment of the gravity of the incident and its repercussions.
The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) reviewed the recorded incident, which they claim captures only a fragment of the confrontation. The union has publicly denounced the actions depicted in the footage. “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 noted in a statement.
Moreover, the union raised alarms about the broader implications of the incident, suggesting it could escalate violence and instability within the state’s correction facilities. Predictions of strained relations and increased challenges for correctional staff were expressed, highlighting the incident’s potential aftermath on the integrity and operational environment of the correctional system.
In reflecting on the potential impact, the union emphasized, “This incident not only endangers our entire membership but undermines the integrity of our profession. We cannot and will not condone this behavior,” indicating a strong stance against the misconduct and a call for restoration of professional standards within the ranks.