Inmate Death at Mid-State Correctional Facility Sparks Investigation and Administrative Leave for Staff
A pall of concern and scrutiny hangs over the Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy, New York, following the death of a 22-year-old inmate over the weekend. The incident has triggered a multi-faceted investigation involving state officials and has led to the administrative leave of nearly a dozen staff members, according to statements released by prison officials to USA TODAY on Monday. The death occurs in the backdrop of a prior incident last month that has put the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCCS) in a state of crisis over inmate safety and proper protocol by corrections officers.
The New York State Department of Corrections confirmed that the inmate, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was housed at the medium-security facility in Marcy, situated near Utica, the county seat of Oneida County. The department has refrained from disclosing the preliminary cause and manner of death, citing the ongoing investigation.
Upon learning of the inmate’s death, the DOCCCS immediately notified the Office of the New York Attorney General Letitia James and the New York State Police, signaling the gravity of the situation and the commitment to a thorough and impartial inquiry. In a statement released to USA TODAY, the DOCCCS Commissioner announced the placement of 11 staff members involved in the incident on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigations.
The department has remained tight-lipped about specific details of the case, citing the active and ongoing nature of the investigation. However, a report in The New York Times revealed that the newspaper interviewed more than a half-dozen inmates who alleged that the deceased inmate was subjected to a beating by corrections officers prior to his death.
USA TODAY has reached out to Attorney General James’ office and Governor Kathy Hochul for comment and further information.
The timing of this incident adds another layer of complexity and urgency to the situation, as it comes on the heels of another state inmate death following an attack by prison guards at the neighboring Marcy Correctional Facility, located directly across the street from Mid-State Correctional Facility. Last month, 10 former New York corrections employees were indicted in connection with the death of Robert Brooks, an inmate who was violently beaten while handcuffed in a prison infirmary in December.
Robert Brooks, 43, was brutally assaulted by multiple officers inside the Marcy Correctional Facility in central New York on December 9, succumbing to his injuries at a hospital the following day. The incident sparked outrage and calls for accountability, particularly due to the fact that the officers involved had not activated their body cameras. However, video footage taken while the devices were in standby mode captured the officers punching, kicking, and choking Brooks while his hands were restrained behind his back.
The indictment of the 10 former corrections employees in the Brooks case highlighted a disturbing pattern of alleged abuse and misconduct within the New York correctional system. The incident also raised serious questions about training, oversight, and accountability mechanisms within the DOCCCS.
The latest inmate death at Mid-State Correctional Facility is likely to intensify scrutiny of the DOCCCS and its policies. The dual deaths within a short period will raise questions about the culture within these facilities and the well-being of inmates in New York’s correctional system.
The investigations into both the Brooks case and the recent death at Mid-State Correctional Facility will undoubtedly delve into a number of key areas, including:
- Use of Force Policies: Investigators will examine the DOCCCS’ use of force policies and whether they are adequately clear, comprehensive, and consistent with best practices. The investigation will also look at whether corrections officers are properly trained in de-escalation techniques and the appropriate use of force.
- Body Camera Usage: The failure of officers to activate their body cameras in the Brooks case has highlighted the importance of consistent and proper body camera usage. Investigators will likely examine the DOCCCS’ policies regarding body camera usage and whether they are being effectively enforced.
- Oversight and Accountability: The investigations will likely examine the DOCCCS’ oversight and accountability mechanisms, including the process for investigating allegations of misconduct and the disciplinary actions taken against officers found to have engaged in wrongdoing.
- Training and Supervision: Investigators will also look into the training and supervision provided to corrections officers, including training on de-escalation techniques, use of force policies, and cultural sensitivity.
The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for the DOCCCS, potentially leading to changes in policies, procedures, and training programs. The investigations could also result in criminal charges against individual officers or staff members.
In the meantime, the DOCCCS faces the challenge of maintaining order and security within its facilities while also ensuring the safety and well-being of its inmates. The agency will also need to work to restore public trust in the correctional system, which has been shaken by the recent incidents.
The death at Mid-State Correctional Facility serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities of managing a correctional system. It underscores the importance of robust oversight, accountability, and training to ensure that inmates are treated with dignity and respect, and that their rights are protected. The people of New York, and the families of incarcerated individuals, will be watching closely to see if real reform will follow these tragic events.
Natalie Neysa Alund, a senior reporter for USA TODAY, can be reached at [email protected] and followed on X @nataliealund.
