Correctional Association of New York (CANY) Statement on Governor’s Announcement Following Visit to Marcy Correctional Facility
December 30, 2024
Contact: media@correctionalassociation.org
BROOKLYN, NY – The following statement can be attributed to Jennifer Scaife, Executive Director of the Correctional Association of New York (CANY):
“The death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility, and the release of the video showing the fatal assault by security officers that led to his death, is a watershed moment for New York State. This tragic incident has cast a harsh light on the grim realities of life within our state prisons, realities that have been documented by the Correctional Association of New York for decades.
Governor Kathy Hochul has taken swift action in response to this tragedy and her commitment to holding the individuals responsible for Mr. Brooks's death accountable is a crucial first step. Furthermore, her willingness to bring comprehensive reform to the state’s prisons, including landmark investments in transparency and oversight, signals a true commitment to systemic change. The Governor's announcement today offers a glimmer of hope that we can begin to address the deeply entrenched problems that plague New York's prisons.
We commend Governor Hochul for her leadership and action today. We urge the Legislature to follow her lead by matching her investments in next year's budget and enacting necessary changes in law. Together, we must bring transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform to New York's state prisons.”
About the Correctional Association of New York:
CANY, under §146, of New York’s Correction Law, is charged with visiting and examining the state's correctional facilities to identify and report on prison conditions, the treatment of incarcerated individuals, and the administration of policy promulgated by the executive and legislature. Founded in 1844 by concerned citizens of the state and deputized by the state to provide monitoring and oversight of the state’s prisons in 1846, CANY is one of the first organizations in the country prescribed to administer civilian oversight of prisons.