The angry demand for immediate prison reform returned loudly to the corridors of the state Capitol on Monday. It comes in the aftermath of the brutal beating death of inmate Robert Brooks.

Protestors were once again joined by state lawmakers determined to change a system they see as violent and out of control.

Brooks was savagely beaten to death, allegedly by prison staff last month at the Marcy Correctional Facility near Utica.

Even though Gov. Kathy Hochul has called for the firing of those state employees involved, there have been no arrests so far.

The angry protestors, armed with picket signs, demanded accountability, transparency and justice.

They were joined by lawmakers who introduced a package of reform bills that is supported by more than 60 legislators. They hope this will significantly strengthen the state’s oversight over the state prison system, which has long been plagued by heinous violence, they said.

There have been roughly 4,000 occasions when Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has tried to fire officers for problematic behavior, but they’ve only been able to succeed 7% of the time, according to Sen. Julia Salazar, one of the supporters.

Learn more about what the three separate bills are designed to do by watching the video of Dan Levy’s story.

NYSCOPBA has released this statement:

“Several state lawmakers have called for sweeping changes to the state’s correctional system including the closure of Marcy Correctional Facility and reduction in inmate sentences as a result of the appalling death of Robert Brooks last month.   While we understand the need for changes, we implore those in control of making crafting legislation targeted at the correctional system not to make the same mistake that occurred when there were widespread calls across the country to defund the police five years ago.    The result of those reactionary polices in 2020 had a profound impact on crime rates across this country that many states are still grappling with.  

In no way do we support the indefensible actions of those involved in Mr. Brooks death.  What we do support is a comprehensive approach to address the violence inside our prisons that have reached epidemic levels.  The actions of those 14 officers do not represent the vast majority of the officers who perform their sworn duties with professionalism and attention to those who are incarcerated.  Those officers, and the incarcerated they are responsible for their custody and care, need practical solutions from all stakeholders to address the violence in our prisons and the safety of both staff and inmates.  Any rash and hasty legislation will not address the deep-rooted problems of violence, it may only exacerbate it.”