Summary
Footage released by the New York Attorney General shows corrections officers at Marcy Correctional Facility brutally beating handcuffed inmate Robert Brooks on December 9.
Brooks, restrained throughout the 15-minute assault, died the next day, with preliminary autopsy findings citing asphyxia and actions of others as the cause of death.
14 staff members have been terminated or suspended. Some officers failed to properly activate body cameras, violating state policy.
Advocates highlight systemic abuse and racial discrimination in New York prisons, while the investigation continues.
I firmly believe that those who wear a badge to uphold the law must be held to the highest letter of the law.
e.g. if “petty theft” carries a sentence of “up to 7 days in jail and/or up to a $1000 fine”, then an officer charged with “petty theft” should always serve 7 days AND pay a $1000 fine. There should be no deliberation about leniency for those who wear a badge.
Wherein this turns heads and makes people say “well hey, that’s not right…” we identify corners of the written law that should be amended. Not for them; because of them.
So yeah, if death is on the books for murder, have at. All 14. We’ll talk about if it was fair when they’re gone.
I think treating sentencing as ‘black and white’ for officers is maybe the only way to deal with the problem of corrupt cops. Not even sure it’d work.
Absolutely, these people are paid to be professionals. So it’s even worse when they act like criminals instead.
The only difference between the ‘professionals’ and the criminals is the badge.
I disagree. You can have enhancements for hate crimes. There should be enhancements for abuses of power. Seven days, $1000, and more, whether that’s petty theft, blatant corruption, or straight murder.
“While in a position of authority” seems like a pretty good enhancement that could fit many situations appropriately.
Ideally, yes, but that would create other issues. If there is a hard line for it (like the death penalty for those 14) and no chance of a lighter sentence, juries may be disinclined to convict (and prosecutors to charge) on those charges knowing it is the only outcome.