Lawmakers press state prisons commissioner at hearing

State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III and state lawmakers may have different ideas about what the best path forward is for New York’s prisons. But at a hearing on Wednesday, they could agree that reforms to staffing and compliance should lead the charge. 

State Senate Correction Committee Chair Julia Salazar and Assembly Correction Committee Chair Erik Dilan led a joint hearing on Transparency, Accountability and Safety of Persons in Custody within state Correctional Facilities. DOCCS has weathered criticism following a wildcat prison strike, spurred by corrections officers’ safety complaints, and the deaths of two inmates, Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi, earlier this year. Lawmakers have consistently called for reforms, including increased oversight and staffing as well as legislation that would create more pathways for inmates to be released early.

Martuscello himself called for the prosecution of the corrections officers involved in the recent inmate deaths, but he also explained that he’s somewhat hamstrung to deal with problem officers. Martuscello said that an independent arbiter must review and approve all DOCCS recommendations about officer discipline. Salazar has introduced legislation that would give Martuscello further power to address personnel issues. 

“I'm not going to comment publicly in terms of that legislation, but what I would say is generally, in running this department, whether you're talking about discipline or any other facet, that any further authority that I have in discretion would certainly be welcome on a variety of topics,” Martuscello told lawmakers. 

Lawmakers also asked Martuscello about a provision of the recently passed state budget that would update staffing guidelines to allow 18-year-olds to become corrections officers – an attempt to alleviate staffing shortfalls at the department. Assembly Member Anil Beephan asked how DOCCS would make sure that their relative lack of life experience wouldn’t compound safety issues. Martuscello said the department was developing a mentorship model where younger staff members would receive support and guidance from those with more experience. 

The state’s entire approach to corrections and rehabilitation will always have its critics, though. Assembly Member Anna Kelles pressed the commissioner on whether the state’s prison system was inherently dehumanizing. 

“You were talking about dignity and respect, and I agree with you tremendously,” Kelles said.  “And it's important, of course, that we recognize that abuse can come in many forms, psychological as well. Do you think that dehumanizing someone is psychological abuse?”

Martuscello agreed. 

“Okay, so calling someone not by their name, but as fundamentally an inmate or a number. Do you think that's dehumanizing?” she continued. 

Martuscello agreed once again.

The hearing is scheduled to continue for the rest of the day.