(WNY News Now) – Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone reacts to disturbing body camera footage revealing the death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility, urging for respect and reform in the state’s correctional system.
Chautauqua County, NY – Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone has released the following statement following the release of body camera footage showing Robert Brooks, an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility, being beaten to death by multiple corrections officers:
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
Leave a Reply