New York will soon see sweeping changes inside its prisons and local jails after the state approved a major reform package.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation Dec. 19 that expands camera use, strengthens investigations when deaths occur, and adds new oversight powers to state watchdog agencies.
The bill creates ten major changes aimed at improving safety and accountability for both incarcerated people and staff. State leaders moved the package after the murders of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi in state prisons.
What the new law changes
The legislation requires cameras in every state prison and local jail, including vehicles used to transport incarcerated individuals. It also requires quicker disclosure of video evidence when a death occurs.
State and local facilities must now turn over relevant video to the Attorney General’s Office within 72 hours, or 24 hours if footage is discovered late. The law also extends how long video must be stored and speeds up access for incarcerated individuals and their attorneys.
The bill tightens rules around deaths in custody. Facilities must post notice online within 48 hours of notifying next of kin. Autopsy reports must now include photographs and X-rays.
Oversight and reporting expand
The State Commission of Correction will grow from three members to five. Three will serve full time, two part time, and at least one must be formerly incarcerated. The commission must also study deaths in state facilities over the past decade.
The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision must issue quarterly reports from its Office of Special Investigations. The law also allows the Attorney General to assign a deputy when conflicts arise.
More access and legal options
The changes give the Correctional Association of New York greater access to facilities and data. Incarcerated individuals will have more private ways to contact the group.
The law also creates a window after release for people to file claims related to harm they say occurred while they were incarcerated.
State officials say work is ongoing
Hochul said the reforms build on changes already underway, including statewide use of body-worn cameras and expanded investigative staffing.
“Every single individual who enters our prisons deserves to be safe,” Hochul said.
Corrections Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III said the department is focused on “meaningful, lasting reform that focuses on dignity and respect for all.”
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