Officials react in wake of body worn camera footage released to the public from the death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility
ONEIDA COUNTY- The investigation remains ongoing into the assault at Marcy Correctional Facility, which resulted in the death of Robert Brooks earlier this month and officials have been responding to the incident with their reactions.
“We respect due process and the ongoing investigations; those who are responsible for this disturbing deed must be held accountable,” State Senator Joe Griffo said in a joint released statement with Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon and Assemblyman Brian Miller (view full statement below).
“We have been briefed by state officials and have engaged in discussions with employees regarding the deeply concerning incident at Marcy Correctional Facility. The reported use of force is unacceptable and cannot be condoned under any circumstances. We respect due process and the ongoing investigations; those who are responsible for this disturbing deed must be held accountable. It is essential to acknowledge that the majority of the dedicated men and women who work hard every day in the state’s correctional facilities are good and honorable individuals committed to public service. Their integrity and hard work must not be overshadowed by the violent acts of a few.”
On Friday, the New York Attorney General, the lead office of this investigation, released numerous clips of body worn camera footage from the incident. “I was sickened by what I saw on this very disturbing footage,” said Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol (view full statement below).
"I, along with men and women of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, extend our sincere condolences to the Brooks family in light of the recently released body camera footage from the violent and fatal assault at the Marcy Correctional Facility. I was sickened by what I saw on this very disturbing footage. Behavior of this nature will never be tolerated or condoned by this Office and goes against all aspects of our training and goes against the very fabric of the profession of Corrections. Every human being deserves to be treated ethically and with dignity & respect. As a fully accredited agency, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing professional service not only to our residents and visitors to Oneida County, but also those entrusted to our care while incarcerated at the Oneida County Jail.”
“I have been clear that it is the responsibility of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to provide appropriate care and protection for those in its custody, and I will not tolerate anyone who violates that responsibility,” said Governor Kathy Hochul (view full statement below).
“Like all New Yorkers, I was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks. I have been clear that it is the responsibility of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to provide appropriate care and protection for those in its custody, and I will not tolerate anyone who violates that responsibility. That is why I ordered an immediate and full investigation into the death of Robert Brooks and further directed DOCCS Commissioner Martuscello to begin the termination process for the 14 individuals who were involved in his fatal attack. The State of New York has zero tolerance for individuals who break the law, and I am committed to holding everyone involved fully accountable. Once again, I want to offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Brooks’ family and loved ones as they grieve his tragic death. I am grateful to the Attorney General and her team, our State Police, and everyone working with us to ensure justice is served in this case.”
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission, the Attorney General’s Office says.
Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated.
If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
