CASES & NYS Alternative to Incarceration & Reentry Coalition Issue Statement on Killing of Robert L. Brooks

On December 9th, 2024 officers of the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) brutally attacked Robert L. Brooks, a 43-year old father, who passed away due to the assault the next day. Body camera footage released on Friday plainly shows the deplorable and unacceptable violence perpetrated by officers.

Unfortunately, this attack can not be treated as an isolated incident – it must be addressed as a systemic issue perpetuated by an oppressive culture endemic to DOCCS. Reporting from the Correctional Association of New York (CANY) issued earlier this year documents a pattern of routine sexual and physical abuse of incarcerated individuals by staff, rooted in a culture of racism. This entrenched culture of violence reverberates not only through every prison, but it also permeates our communities as families experience and endure the traumatic consequences alongside their incarcerated loved ones.

We want to thank Governor Hochul and Commissioner Martuscello for their swift action to hold the officers involved in the brutal death of Mr. Brooks responsible. We also hope to see further accountability measures as this matter is investigated, it cannot stop there. We must also ensure that the tragic death of Mr. Brooks leads to comprehensive changes in the culture and operation of DOCCS, including training, operations, and discipline for all staff employed at NYS prisons. We urge the Governor and Commissioner Martuscello to take on the hard work of system-wide overhaul to ensure that incarcerated individuals are treated humanely and with dignity.