The fatal beating of an incarcerated man at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County has brought the actions of the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT) under intense scrutiny. Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old serving a 12-year sentence for a nonfatal stabbing, was handcuffed and brutally attacked by CERT officers on Dec. 9, resulting in his death the following day. The incident was captured on body-camera footage, showing officers from “CERT Team 20” delivering punches and kicks to Brooks while he was defenseless.
Investigations by a special prosecutor appointed by the state Attorney General’s Office and the FBI are ongoing in response to Brooks’ death. The incident has shed light on a series of lawsuits involving over 90 incarcerated individuals who have alleged harsh treatment, including beatings and waterboarding, at the hands of CERT officers. Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated termination proceedings against 14 prison staffers, with one already resigning from their position.
Sean Michael Chung, a Queens resident who spent most of an eight-year sentence at Marcy, recounted witnessing multiple beatings by CERT officers and experiencing abuse himself. Chung described the encounters as violent and terrifying, emphasizing the helplessness of individuals when faced with CERT intervention. Ronald Anderson, another former inmate, referred to CERT Team 20 as the “demon squad,” known for its brutal tactics and reputation for abuse.
The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has denied that the actions seen in the video align with official CERT training protocols. Despite these claims, individuals like Anderson and Chung have highlighted the ongoing pattern of violence and intimidation by CERT teams within correctional facilities.
### What are CERT teams?
According to the correction department, CERT teams are specialized units trained to respond to high-risk situations within prisons. These teams undergo extensive training in disturbance control, defensive tactics, and de-escalation techniques to manage volatile incidents effectively.
### What happened to Brooks?
Video evidence shows two CERT officers carrying Brooks into a room where he was subjected to a severe beating. The full extent of the events leading up to and following the assault remains under investigation. Brooks had been incarcerated for a non-fatal stabbing incident involving his ex-girlfriend.
### What action has been taken so far?
Attorney General Letitia James initiated an investigation into the incident, subsequently appointing a special prosecutor to handle the case due to potential conflicts of interest. Governor Hochul has introduced policy measures aimed at enhancing oversight and accountability within the correctional system to prevent future abuses.
### How much scrutiny is there into conduct by state prison staff?
Reports and lawsuits alleging mistreatment by prison staff, particularly CERT officers, have been prevalent for years. Monitors’ observations at Marcy and extensive media coverage have raised concerns about the challenges in holding correctional officers accountable for their actions.
The case of Robert Brooks has underscored the urgent need for reform and increased transparency within the corrections system to prevent further instances of violence and abuse. As investigations continue, the spotlight remains on CERT teams and their role in maintaining order within New York’s prisons.
As a former inmate and witness to the brutality inflicted by CERT officers, Chung’s firsthand experiences offer a chilling glimpse into the pervasive culture of fear and violence that exists within correctional facilities. His account serves as a stark reminder of the human toll exacted by unchecked authority and systemic failures in the prison system. Through his harrowing ordeal, Chung sheds light on the urgent need for accountability and reform to safeguard the well-being of incarcerated individuals and prevent future tragedies like the one that claimed Robert Brooks’ life.
