ONEIDA, N.Y. — In a press conference held on Friday, Dec. 27 by the NYS Attorney General Letitia James, police body-worn camera footage was released from the investigation regarding the death of an inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County.
The Associated Press reported in an article published on Dec. 21 that NYS Governor Kathy Hochul ordered more than a dozen prison staffers to be fired over the fatal beating of the inmate which happened earlier this month.
On Dec. 9 the inmate who has been identified as Robert Brooks was being transferred from the Mohawk Correctional Facility to Marcy Correctional Facility, both in Oneida County. Brooks had his hands handcuffed behind his back, and was taken into the medical examination room at Marcy’s facility when the incidents occurred.
In the disturbing videos obtained by the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office, it shows the body-worn camera footage from 4 corrections officers who were present during the incident.
On the morning of Dec. 10, Robert Brooks was pronounced dead at a local hospital he was transferred to after the incidents occurred.
In a press release from the NYS Attorney General’s Office it says the following:
“The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, 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. 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.
The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.”
Please be aware that the footage in the videos may be disturbing to some, watch with caution.
Those Corrections Officers whose body-worn footage was shown have been identified as Officer Matthew Galliher, Officer Michael Fisher, Officer Michael Along, and Sergeant Glenn Trombly.
The footage can be found by clicking here.
Many New York State and Western New York Officials have since spoken out about the footage released by the AG’s office.
In a statement issued by Governor Kathy Hochul she said, “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.”
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department issued the following statement:
“Citizens of Chautauqua County: The Sheriffs of New York State are shocked, like any rational person is, by the actions of State Corrections Officers at Marcy Correctional Facility which led to the death of Robert Brooks, as revealed by body camera footage released today. No human being should be treated that way by another human being. This situation is made even worse by the fact that the extreme cruelty was inflicted by those entrusted with the power of government, against those they were entrusted to guard and protect. Sheriffs operate the local jails across the state. We know, on a different scale but similar mission, the difficulties the state faces in safely and humanely managing incarcerated individuals and correctional facilities under current circumstances. The job of a Corrections Officer is difficult, making those who join the field part of a distinct group of law enforcement professionals who are entrusted to uphold all state laws while facing understaffing and forced overtime hours. At the same time, many inmates are emboldened by recent state laws that ban virtually all inmate discipline, thus removing most effective tools for managing prison and jail populations. Corrections Officers are frustrated and exhausted. It is a difficult job that we ask these good public servants to do and do right. We are grateful for those Corrections Officers who do show up for work, and who perform their jobs professionally and treat all inmates safely, humanely and respectfully. We regret that the recent action of a few has unfairly tarnished the reputation of the vast majority of good officers who perform their jobs day and day out with integrity, courage, character and unconditional respect. Sheriffs of New York State are asking their jail administrators and Corrections Officers to redouble their efforts, to assure the inmates in their care that they are safe in our jails, and respected as fellow human beings. We expect the next few days to be difficult ones for everyone involved in corrections — on both sides. We ask that reason and calm prevail with everyone so that further tragedies may be avoided. Sincerely, James Quattrone Chautauqua County Sheriff”
Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia issued the following statement:
“I am appalled by the video released today depicting the despicable conduct of the staff involved in the assault and death of Robert Brooks at the New York State Correctional Facility at Marcy. The demeanor revealed in this video is not acceptable at any level of professional law enforcement. These State Corrections Officers swore an oath to uphold and defend the law; yet – either through their actions or failure to intervene – they chose to violate that oath. Their conduct disrespects the efforts of all law enforcement officials who honor their oath and it diminishes the public’s confidence in law enforcement. The actions of those directly involved in this assault at Marcy Correctional Facility should not cast a shadow on the vast majority of hardworking Corrections Officers who abide by their oath to serve and protect those in custody. There is no place in our society for this type of behavior. On behalf of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, I offer our prayers and condolences to the family of Robert Brooks.”
Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt issued the following statement:
“I am sickened by the brutal and senseless attack at Marcy Correctional Facility. The footage is absolutely appalling, and these violent actions cannot be tolerated. While this incident will understandably outrage New Yorkers, it’s important to recognize that this horrific event does not reflect the dedicated service of the countless correction officers who risk their lives every day to maintain order and safety in our prisons. Those responsible must be held fully accountable – there is no excuse for this behavior.”
Tim Dymond, President of the New York State Police Investigators Association (NYSPIA) issued the following statement:
“The New York State Police Investigators Association extends our condolences to the family of Robert L. Brooks. No one should ever have to worry about the safety of a family member while in custody of police or corrections. We condemn the actions of the officers involved in the death of Mr. Brooks. Our criminal justice system was founded on the notion of the safe and humane treatment of all people, and this was a breach of that trust. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the swift and thorough investigation of this crime. The New York State Police Investigators worked around the clock during the December holidays to ensure that facts and evidence were identified and made available to the state attorneys in order to ensure justice is served. We thank them for their efforts
The union that represents correctional officers (NYSCOPBA) issued the following statement:
“NYSCOPBA’s Executive Board has reviewed the video footage released by the Attorney General regarding the death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility. What we have witnessed is reprehensible. It is clear to all of us that these actions are a disgrace to our profession and have put everyone inside our facilities at risk. As correction officers and sergeants, we have a duty to protect every person inside a correctional facility. At all times, we must be ready to stop those seeking to do harm, and that includes fellow staff. We, as an organization, stand in complete defiance of the callous disregard for the suffering that we have all witnessed on this video. NYSCOPBA will continue to fulfill its legal obligation to defend all members from all administrative charges, regardless of severity or public outcry. However, as more information becomes readily available, NYSCOPBA must continue to focus its efforts on advocating on behalf of those members who dutifully come to work every day and act with the professionalism and selflessness demanded of them.”