Cuomo has known about this since day 1 being in office. Sadly, letters, calls, complaints to the gov office to address this issue are all ignored.
8
When I think of prisons where I would prefer death to being in those prisons, the places that come to mind are North Korea, China, Turkey (think Midnight Express), Iran, etc. What is happening here, has the USA joined this rank of countries? I cannot believe this is the state of affairs in our country’s prisons. How can we claim to be a civilized first world country – the “leader” of the free world! - and tolerate these sorts of abuses? Being imprisoned should not mean being beaten, raped or otherwise physically violated. It should be about segregating criminals from the rest of society and at the same time trying to rehabilitate them in preparation for re-entrance to society. If that’s not the purpose, then why not just kill them. We need to look to Germany and Scandinavian countries for a few lessons on how to be civilized. Also, why are we putting criminals in charge of the criminals? We need to completely revamp the selection and training process for prison guards. What a disgrace, God help us if we are wrongly jailed. We may end up crippled or murdered.
8
If they can put a camera in every aisle of WalMart then there should be cameras in every jail/prison. There needs to be accountability for what goes on in these places.
12
If you're picked to be a member of "the Beat Up Squad" that should raise a red flag in your mind.
3
A law new this year requires that deaths while in custody and during arrests must be reported to a federal database. Deaths reported are from any cause, disease, suicide, violence from other prisoners or guards and cops, unsafe conditions, old age, ..... Do we have any assurance the deaths are reported accurately? The purpose is for research into better outcomes.
2
If convicted they will have to do their entire sentence in "protective custody", out of sight and harm from the general population.
Should they cooperate, will their new guards go after them for being rats?
Should they cooperate, will their new guards go after them for being rats?
3
“Rather than simply relying on allegations made by a handful of violent convicted felons." This quote is emblematic of the problem, prisoners are not seen and treated as human beings. There is very little chance of rehabilitation in environments where violent goons treat prisoners like animals, and have virtually no oversight, and face no consequences for their actions.
10
One hears from the NYT's about the so called war crimes of Israeli yet in your own USA you have authorities committing crime much greater then what you mention Israel has ever done or not done. America needs to clean up it's own act. The media has the power to put pressure on authorities to change the brutal treatment bringing handed out in it's prisons. You must have a bunch of Nazis minded people working in these places, it's disgusting and reflects badly on America.
9
This article makes me so sad and so angry! This has got to stop. We can't keep putting people in prison for minor drug charges. The war on drugs has become the war on our own citizens. We need more supervision and surveillance on prison employees. We need to fire the guards and management responsible. We need prison reform NOW. And this man's family needs to be compensated for this wrongful death, though no amount of money will suffice for this injustice. Get it together state and federal legislatures. We're fed up!
9
It's becoming more and more evident that this kind of violence is a feature, not a bug. From Fishkill to Greece...
3
1. Our prisons are ill-equipped to handle mentally ill individuals. The fact that prisons are where the mentally ill are now warehoused is a travesty.
2. Where are the video cameras?! Everywhere inside a prison should be under surveillance to protect everyone -- prisoners from other prisoners, staff from prisoners and prisoners from staff. When people know they're being watched 24/7, they act differently, and when they don't, there's proof.
2. Where are the video cameras?! Everywhere inside a prison should be under surveillance to protect everyone -- prisoners from other prisoners, staff from prisoners and prisoners from staff. When people know they're being watched 24/7, they act differently, and when they don't, there's proof.
14
Oh we all know that criminals never lie.
The constant threat of a brutal beating is how you keep these animals in line otherwise the prisoners would be running the jails.
Our "system of justice" is as broken as the Nazi system of World War II. Mr. Harrell did not deserve to be treated with such brutality. And the officers who perpetrated this atrocity are thugs in need of help, and, are unfit for their jobs. We the people must unite to revamp our criminal justice system. There are many ways to become involved. Pick one and get to work!
8
Why are you disturbing my sleep with this nonsense? Yawn.
I worked at a treatment center for adolescents suffering from psychological problems and substance abuse. Once in awhile a patient would erupt into a fear / anger driven act of self-harm or destruction of property. A "Code Ten" would be called.
Every available staff member would report to the nurse's station. Each would be given an the assignment to take control over one body part: right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg, abdomen and head.
We would enter the room where the patient was violently ripping things apart, or trying to smash open the door or even might be harming him self. Each person would grab hold tightly to the body part assigned, to restrain the person. He or she would be lifted to their bed. A physician would then inject a drug into the person.
Within 60 seconds of entering the room, the person would pass out. He or she was then restrained with sheepskin wool lined leather straps, to the bed. Within an hour the person would regain consciousness and at least two staff members would be at hand to help the individual recover from the ordeal.
Although I am certain that this is not the perfect solution, no one was injured in these acts of restraining them.
Police officers and corrections officers can be taught the same steps of non-injurious restraint of a combative person.
Every available staff member would report to the nurse's station. Each would be given an the assignment to take control over one body part: right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg, abdomen and head.
We would enter the room where the patient was violently ripping things apart, or trying to smash open the door or even might be harming him self. Each person would grab hold tightly to the body part assigned, to restrain the person. He or she would be lifted to their bed. A physician would then inject a drug into the person.
Within 60 seconds of entering the room, the person would pass out. He or she was then restrained with sheepskin wool lined leather straps, to the bed. Within an hour the person would regain consciousness and at least two staff members would be at hand to help the individual recover from the ordeal.
Although I am certain that this is not the perfect solution, no one was injured in these acts of restraining them.
Police officers and corrections officers can be taught the same steps of non-injurious restraint of a combative person.
6
You call one trapped unarmed man in handcuffs against 20 prison guards a "fight?!" You need to publish a correction to this headline. And replace "fight" with attack.
10
The vast majority of the law enforcement officers in the US perform their very difficult jobs with respect for their communities and in compliance with the law. Even so, there are incidents in which this is not the case - and that's the case with this "Goon Squad" of corrections officers.
Federal laws that address police misconduct include both criminal and civil statutes. These laws cover the actions of State, county, and local officers, including those who work in prisons and jails. The laws protect all persons in the United States (citizens and non-citizens).
In addition to the investigation by the NY State Police, the US Dept. of Justice needs to launch an investigation, criminal and civil, to determine whether Mr. Harrell's rights - as well as those of other prisoners - have been violated.
Federal laws that address police misconduct include both criminal and civil statutes. These laws cover the actions of State, county, and local officers, including those who work in prisons and jails. The laws protect all persons in the United States (citizens and non-citizens).
In addition to the investigation by the NY State Police, the US Dept. of Justice needs to launch an investigation, criminal and civil, to determine whether Mr. Harrell's rights - as well as those of other prisoners - have been violated.
5
wide spread us of k2 ,k2 is something only a guard would smuggle in .no prisoner would .it can be purchased cheap and legally
2
And he had his hands up , was offering no resistance , and a model prisoner according to the inmates.
And that they were all innocent of the crimes they have been charged.
And that they were all innocent of the crimes they have been charged.
“Rather than simply relying on allegations made by a handful of violent convicted felons,” he wrote, “we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to ensure a resolution to this tragic incident.”
Perhaps Mr Miller needs to take a hard look at the handful of violent UNconvicted felons in the prison, instead of listening solely to his partners in law enforcement.
Perhaps Mr Miller needs to take a hard look at the handful of violent UNconvicted felons in the prison, instead of listening solely to his partners in law enforcement.
7
Prison guards work for US! Prisoners have been our "cruelty objects" for years, we want them treated badly. We are human, red of tooth and claw.
William Blackstone's dictum, it "is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer," is lost on us, much like Jesus Christ's stupid commandment "Love your neighbor." We're viciously vindictive and have no right to cast aspersions on the good folks of post-Weimar Germany.
William Blackstone's dictum, it "is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer," is lost on us, much like Jesus Christ's stupid commandment "Love your neighbor." We're viciously vindictive and have no right to cast aspersions on the good folks of post-Weimar Germany.
5
We have an aptly named criminal justice system. The rule innocent until you run out of money. The rich criminals are untouched while the poor innocent plea bargain.
and the convicted get the harrell treatment.
and the convicted get the harrell treatment.
7
To the family my heart goes out to you and am sorry for your lose. I think they should take all involved, charge them and put them in the same prison that they work at and let the inmates do to them as they have done. It is a shame that or law enforcement(all states) thinks that they are above the law and can do what they want without consequences. It's time for someone to put a stop to the violence from the law enforcement. They are the reason so many are hollering racism. It don't matter what color a person is we all have rights and we all are brothers n sisters by God.
3
The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, Inc. should be investigated as a criminal enterprise.
9
This is murder. The fact that it is institutionalized is unfortunate and needs to be changed. But this is murder and it needs to dealt with that way.
9
We MUST find ways of screening correctional & law enforcement employees. Yes! They are employees!!! Screening cannot end with the offer of employment. These are tough jobs. Guards/officers are subjected to many people whose behavior is going to make them angry. I realize it is difficult, with adrenaline flowing in one's system to control emotions at times. But the point is that these people are paid to do a job. It is not personal, even though it may feel personal sometimes. Dealing with dangerous people, people with mental illnesses, etc. It requires keeping your head about you and relying on your brains, not your brawn.
Routine screening or identification of correctional/police staff is critical to weeding out the people The vicious murder of this man illustrates this need. It is a job. If you can't keep it together and not beat and kill people then you need to be doing something else.
Routine screening or identification of correctional/police staff is critical to weeding out the people The vicious murder of this man illustrates this need. It is a job. If you can't keep it together and not beat and kill people then you need to be doing something else.
18
Ok...so how long do we wait for criminal charges to be brought against these guards?
My guess is that New York, like many states, considers murdering a prisoner sport, not crime.
http://curenational.org
My guess is that New York, like many states, considers murdering a prisoner sport, not crime.
http://curenational.org
1
No wonder we like General Sisi and his 'pro Western' Government better than a democratic muslim one. Morsi's worst crime apparently was NOT continuing the torture practices that made Egypt the 'go to' nation for rendition and 'enhanced interrogation for the 'Western powers'.
When ever I hear about dead prisoners, Chicago's Guantanamoe, dead 'cigarette'e sellers or the innocent released after 35 years My first reaction is 'bet they are black' and depressingly I am nearly always right.
Still according to FOX I am a 'self hating white bigot' who fails to see that the real victims in our PC society is the poor white bigot oppressed by due process (wasting tax payers money on unnecessary trials) and human rights for darkies (thugs) while it is race agitators like Rev Sharpton and POTUS Obama who while 'not even American' has 'destroyed our nation'!
Thus spoke 'the Don'.
When ever I hear about dead prisoners, Chicago's Guantanamoe, dead 'cigarette'e sellers or the innocent released after 35 years My first reaction is 'bet they are black' and depressingly I am nearly always right.
Still according to FOX I am a 'self hating white bigot' who fails to see that the real victims in our PC society is the poor white bigot oppressed by due process (wasting tax payers money on unnecessary trials) and human rights for darkies (thugs) while it is race agitators like Rev Sharpton and POTUS Obama who while 'not even American' has 'destroyed our nation'!
Thus spoke 'the Don'.
2
I don't understand why we don't have, in prisons, mental health RNs on staff who could be called to intervene, tell guards what to do, medicate, use Emergency Restraint Chairs. This would be cost effective. The cost being the life of a mentally ill inmate. What's the big deal here?
4
Yes and spa where they can relax and have intellectual conversations.
1
Is it possible that we are filling our police forces and prison guard forces with former soldiers back from the wars? We have been at war longer than any time in history. I know, right? who knew? Lots of men and women are coming home with "blood lust" what better way to get that out legally than by becoming a cop or a prison guard?
4
I must say that Right Now I believe those inmates over a bunch of crooked guards!
Guards lie all the time as do criminals but when they are already behind bars they have no reason to Lie in this instance as the risks are too great to their body and mental health!
Guards lie all the time as do criminals but when they are already behind bars they have no reason to Lie in this instance as the risks are too great to their body and mental health!
4
In my opinion, it is high time that officials begin to examine the actions of police and correction personnel to determine how much abuse is occurring on the streets and in jails and other places. And look at this--
"The officers called for medical and mental health assistance [for Harrell] but could not reach anyone, the inmate reported."
And a few minutes later--
"Officers went to attend to Officer Michels, who was soon carried out on a stretcher, inmates said."
How could there be no medical service available when the officers called regarding Mr. Harrell, and then some available "soon" for Officer Michels?
I find this to be very troubling.
I hope that Governor Cuomo announces not only an independent investigation of this incident, but also a full-fledged investigation of the corrections policy and training in the State of New York. Please Mr. Cuomo, do what is right!
"The officers called for medical and mental health assistance [for Harrell] but could not reach anyone, the inmate reported."
And a few minutes later--
"Officers went to attend to Officer Michels, who was soon carried out on a stretcher, inmates said."
How could there be no medical service available when the officers called regarding Mr. Harrell, and then some available "soon" for Officer Michels?
I find this to be very troubling.
I hope that Governor Cuomo announces not only an independent investigation of this incident, but also a full-fledged investigation of the corrections policy and training in the State of New York. Please Mr. Cuomo, do what is right!
6
I worked in a forensic (mental health) hospital for those charges with various crimes. We had "guards" for these patients (whom many like to call "prisoners" though the majority had not yet gone to court) and the "guards" did not understand mental illness. Most took offense at erratic behavior. Violent behavior by these guards resulted in 'closing ranks' wherein most staff would deny having seen it. A salient danger in prisons and forensic hospitals exists in that there are no witnesses to such reprehensible behaviors. No outsider can visit these places unless they are cleared beforehand, which gives the institution time to look presentable.
6
We must end our society's "vengeance model" of policing and corrections. This model is responsible for so much official stupidity being foisted onto the public without complaint. These stupidities range from "If you aren't doing anything wrong, you have nothing to fear from your government spying on you," to this kind of behavior, in which the general perception is that convicted persons are sent to prison to be punished. Yet those prisons are named 'correctional facilities.'
You will note that the New York Department of Corrections has been renamed: "Department of Corrections and Community Supervision" This implies that, after release, convicted persons will have a supervised re-entry into the civilian community, to the benefit of both. The questions arise, "What department policy led to the hiring of thugs avid to beat up defenseless prisoners? And what within the corrections officers' culture tolerates such brutality?
And of course a third question, "When will the citizens of 'The Land of the free and the home of the brave' put an end to their tolerance of such atrocities?"
You will note that the New York Department of Corrections has been renamed: "Department of Corrections and Community Supervision" This implies that, after release, convicted persons will have a supervised re-entry into the civilian community, to the benefit of both. The questions arise, "What department policy led to the hiring of thugs avid to beat up defenseless prisoners? And what within the corrections officers' culture tolerates such brutality?
And of course a third question, "When will the citizens of 'The Land of the free and the home of the brave' put an end to their tolerance of such atrocities?"
25
Incarceration breeds the formation of a "beat up squad", solitary confinement and other tortures. Prison administration may deny the existence of the squad even as it relies upon to control inmates acting out against horrific living conditions. Mental illnesses are not treated but instead are punished and made worse. Inmates suffer and some die.
What kind of society allows such a thing?
What kind of society allows such a thing?
5
Why were the large mental hospitals closed? I read repeatedly of bad treatment of prisoners who have mental health issues. Prison guards must be trained in handling those issues rather than blatantly assuming any disruptive behavior is a criminal threat. The same holds for cops who are much more frequently witnessing events brought on by post traumatic stress, even their own, as more veterans take police work after discharge.
1
Ronald Reagan is responsible for closing our state mental hospitals, by cutting all federal funding to support them. It not only put mentally sick people who had committed crimes, including minor ones, on the streets, but also started our long sad homeless population cycle.
1
Nationally, there are 350,000 incarcerated today with mental problems. At the same time there's a little over 30,000 in mental institutions.
Between imprisoning the mentally ill and the ill conceived war on drug that's waged almost exclusively in poor neighborhood despite usage being widespread and used in similar proportion throughout the country, as a country, we've chosen to make incarceration to issues that are elsewhere treated as health issues.
So we charge officers to enforce these poorly thought out policies and then allow them to act with impunity and then are baffled when there are repeated cases of brutality....
Its just hard to fathom how so many can turn a blind eye to mass incarceration and systemic bias in our so called legal system....
Between imprisoning the mentally ill and the ill conceived war on drug that's waged almost exclusively in poor neighborhood despite usage being widespread and used in similar proportion throughout the country, as a country, we've chosen to make incarceration to issues that are elsewhere treated as health issues.
So we charge officers to enforce these poorly thought out policies and then allow them to act with impunity and then are baffled when there are repeated cases of brutality....
Its just hard to fathom how so many can turn a blind eye to mass incarceration and systemic bias in our so called legal system....
10
There is no place for behavior like this in the prisons or on the street. Even convicted criminals deserve better than this.
9
Arrest them, every last one of them. Indict them, try them, convict them for first degree murder and sentence every last one of them to life in prison -- the same prison.
Guards are the flip side of the inmates they guard. Only a sadist would want to be one. Who else wants to lord it over other men?
These, all of them, all 20 if there were 20, belong in prison for the rest of their lives because they not only murdered a man, they murdered the law, they murdered justice and they murdered civil society.
Guards are the flip side of the inmates they guard. Only a sadist would want to be one. Who else wants to lord it over other men?
These, all of them, all 20 if there were 20, belong in prison for the rest of their lives because they not only murdered a man, they murdered the law, they murdered justice and they murdered civil society.
11
Mr. Harrell didn't receive a death sentence when he was convicted. So what if he packed his bags? Why in the hell couldn't they let him sit there with his bags packed until he came to reality? What harm would that do?
The men (I use that term loosely) have no business working in any facility where they have to deal with anyone period. They are loose cannons that need to be punished severely. Like put in prison with guards just like them.
The men (I use that term loosely) have no business working in any facility where they have to deal with anyone period. They are loose cannons that need to be punished severely. Like put in prison with guards just like them.
13
Shades of "Shawshank Redemption" all over again...
7
Every one of these dirt bags who were involved should be put in prison, and not in protective custody. Let's see how tough they are then.
12
Thank you for finally shining a light on these abuses. We are incarcerating mentally ill people at an alarming rate, and prison guards lack the training or insight to deal with them properly. Because society has ignored this problem, some guards - not all - feel that it doesn't matter how they "discipline" inmates. The whole structure of our prison system - based on an ideal of continual punishment, not rehabilitation - invites this kind of abuse.
12
It's apparent that our police and correctional workers have a social system all their own...kind of like the ones that exist out in the real world. There are gangs who roam their world, doing all the evil and violent things for which we put street gang members into jail. Oh wait. These gangs are immune from prosecution. Lucky psychopaths!
I pity the poor families to whom these thugs go home. The wives and children are just one angry moment away from getting the you-now-what kicked out of them, too.
I pity the poor families to whom these thugs go home. The wives and children are just one angry moment away from getting the you-now-what kicked out of them, too.
13
Thank you to the NYTimes for reporting on this. Prison reform and making the "justice system" a just system has got to be our next big battle as a nation. We must dismantle our current police state -- and disentangle the agencies that scratch each others' backs. Not knowing what else to do, I joined the ACLU this month after years of thinking about it.
12
We need a system that has different requirements for the job of prison guard. I read the article about prisons in Germany, where prison guards are properly trained and have a higher educational level. There is better screening, and more people who want to have that job. Nothing will change unless we make big changes in people who become guards.
27
How many more prisoners will die before something is done to control prison guards? The vicious brutality of the guards is sickening. The sad part is that this brutality seems to occur at all prisons in the state.
Prosecutors need to get off their duffs and start prosecuting these guards for manslaughter.
Prosecutors need to get off their duffs and start prosecuting these guards for manslaughter.
9
I had to think about this article for a while to try to digest its significance, and, after reflection and a rereading, I find it more than shocking. Moreover, it is a further recent article about the failures of our prison system and the brutality of many of those who administer it. No wonder that the recidivism rate is so high. Rather than being rehabilitated, prisoners are brutalized and made worse and then they are released back to society the worse for the wear, assuming they survived the prison experience.
Like so many things in our society today, the prison system is broken. We need to fix it and fix it fast.
Like so many things in our society today, the prison system is broken. We need to fix it and fix it fast.
22
But but but....he was mentally ill and therefore certainly deserving of the death sentence. (That's a snark - in case anyone missed it.)
3
This makes me nauseous, and rightly so. It is so high time we made this a priority. If this stuff were aired overseas, it would constitute dirty laundry of enormous proportions, it would be a scandal.
I hope it becomes a scandal for us at home. I'd like to add that there was an inference made by Governor Cuomo about the legitimacy of testimony about the dubious validity of statements by inmates (who said they weren't involved when they WERE NOT) in the upstate New York State prison escape, and now again we have the same inference.We have an official wanting to gather all the evidence before resorting to believing the testimony of "convicted felons". Sadly perhaps there seems to be no reason to believe the testimony of prison officers above that of inmates. We have a broken system when the staff is acting like convicted felons. No wait: they are acting like felons who can murder without risking a conviction.
I hope it becomes a scandal for us at home. I'd like to add that there was an inference made by Governor Cuomo about the legitimacy of testimony about the dubious validity of statements by inmates (who said they weren't involved when they WERE NOT) in the upstate New York State prison escape, and now again we have the same inference.We have an official wanting to gather all the evidence before resorting to believing the testimony of "convicted felons". Sadly perhaps there seems to be no reason to believe the testimony of prison officers above that of inmates. We have a broken system when the staff is acting like convicted felons. No wait: they are acting like felons who can murder without risking a conviction.
4
This article points to so many problems in the penal system. First of all, as a psychiatrist I can tell you there are many ways to restrain an aggressive patient that do not involve violence and that DO NOT result in the death of the patient. This man was clearly delusional with his packed bags and his belief he was going home - not atypical for a bipolar patient. It is well-documented that psychiatric patients have trouble receiving their medications in jail, and that is a huge problem, because in general, psychiatric patients often need a lot of education and encouragement to take their medications. Because of the location of psychiatric diseases, they end up messing with a person's personality and so patients confuse the symptoms of the disease with their own personalities and don't often know where their own personality ends and the disease begins. As a result they are afraid that medications will change their personalities. Patients with major psychiatric diagnosis should be housed in a unit where there are trained medical staff who understand the needs of these patients. As to the rest of it, it's clear there is too widespread a culture of racism and brutality in our penal/legal system, and while of course, people should be considered innocent until proven guilty, we have to stop closing our eyes to the fact that we have a serious problems in this area that need to be brought into the light of day.
28
Mental illness in today's America requires incarceration and a death sentence, it seems. Our prison and police systems reveal our ugly underbelly. I am ashamed.
5
I would suggest that the most simple solution to stop illegal beatings in prisons would be to install cameras that scan every corridor. Then there's no question about how things went down. Based on this report, it seems likely that the victim was being subdued due to his inability to understand reality due to his mental illness, but once he broke an officer's ribs, his fate was sealed. If you have to work with violent animals every day (and that is exactly what a percentage of inmates are), it is very hard to remain professional, rather than slide into the culture of violence yourself.
3
Question we must ask: were these people "violent animals" when they were first incarcerated or did they turn "violent" after trying to survive in their new surroundings? I suspect that I know the answer to that question.....I'm a retired attorney and got to know many of my clients before they were incarcerated, often for non-violent drug charges. It scared me to death to see them head off to a term of imprisonment.
3
THEY can be turned off just as a Cop's can! Thus a foolish idea at best!
The problems begin long before either the officer or prisoner enter the prison. I don't think there aren't many kids out there saying, "When I grow up, I want to be a prison guard." Both sides are dealing with a miserable existence in a place they don't want to be - I hope.
All of this for a drug crime.
All of this for a drug crime.
8
“Rather than simply relying on allegations made by a handful of violent convicted felons,” he wrote, “we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to ensure a resolution to this tragic incident.” ~ James Miller
Sure, why don't you do just that Mr Miller. Stick your head in the sand and hope it will all blow over. Meanwhile, the rest of us around the world will continue to wait with bated breath for cops and prison guards in the world's most democratic nation, in the Land of the Free, to stop beating up and murdering the US populace. And for the country's white grand juries to hold them account when they do.
Sure, why don't you do just that Mr Miller. Stick your head in the sand and hope it will all blow over. Meanwhile, the rest of us around the world will continue to wait with bated breath for cops and prison guards in the world's most democratic nation, in the Land of the Free, to stop beating up and murdering the US populace. And for the country's white grand juries to hold them account when they do.
24
I have no illusions that people that are employed as penal " correctional" officers, are of the highest mental, or moral status of public employees. Unfortunately, this type of behavior seems to be on the rise, or, maybe the NYT's is starting a decline to the putrid depths of the New York Post. " Documented similar allegations of prisoner abuse " , these are given by inmates. What credence can be given to a " documented allegation"? It is a sad time for American Journalism, when the lofty " Gray Lady" has to settle for allegations, given by inmates, to fill space in the paper.
Tom Franzson. Brevard NC
Tom Franzson. Brevard NC
This article is fine reporting on an incident that happened in April, but the truth is that it could have been written in any of the 123 months I served in New York's prisons. Including Fishkill; for more context, try: http://www.vice.com/read/my-memories-of-the-new-york-prison-where-inmate.... To correct one point I see stressed in the comments, Fishkill is unlike most of the state's prisons (I visited 12) in having a staff that resembles its wards in human variety. The prison is close enough to the city to lure black and latino officers tired of the insanity of Riker's Island. This turns out to matter little. Violence will always be part of operating a prison because the guards are outnumbered; they rely on fear to remain in control of men held against their will. Unfortunately, in my experience, the imposing and large prisoners who might actually be a threat are never chosen to be 'taught a lesson'. I remember this from the playground; bullies pick fights they can win.
12
This depraved indifference to life is falling at the feet of the Do Nothing Cuomo Administration. Mario Coumo would not have allowed this on his watch- but then again he wouldn't have gone to a prison to utter inappropriate comments to inmates at a state Prison Facility. The lack of response; the silence on Andrew Cuomos part is disgraceful on an individual level and trebly so as the highest elected official of the state. The people of the State of New York have an expectation that the chief administrative official will behave in a way that reflects positively on the office.
Inmates do not give up their constitutional rights to protection from thuggery at the hands of prison guards. The Governor needs to appoint a special prosecutor and he needs to do it quickly.
Inmates do not give up their constitutional rights to protection from thuggery at the hands of prison guards. The Governor needs to appoint a special prosecutor and he needs to do it quickly.
39
Get real. If you don't vote for him or give him lots of money, Andy doesn't care.
Remember, its all about whether you win or lose, not how you play the game.
He's no worse than most politicians.
It could be worse. Walker or Christie.
Remember, its all about whether you win or lose, not how you play the game.
He's no worse than most politicians.
It could be worse. Walker or Christie.
Four years prison ministry here in Missouri on our death row and I am more concerned for the souls of the staff than I am the prisoners, by a long shot.
May God have mercy on their souls, and may He grant the peace that surpasses understanding to come over his family and friends…because that's the only kind that would be sufficient in such a broken world.
May God have mercy on their souls, and may He grant the peace that surpasses understanding to come over his family and friends…because that's the only kind that would be sufficient in such a broken world.
12
Fair and compassionate point. But the unions for COs don't care about this. It is a rare politician who dares challenge such power. Meantime, the brutality continues. NYT is to be commended for this article as well as for its series on Rikers Island. Much as one's soul is important, if one is devoid of conscience, brutality will continue unabated. The USA deserves better.
7
This man was not on death row. Oh, wait. Death row is everywhere it seems.
4
Interesting point not addressed in the article is that inmates are not always given mental health medication when incarcerated even if it is prescribed by their physician. I'd be curious to learn if this man was actually receiving medication for his prior diagnosis of bi-polar disorder when he began acting erratically or if he had been deprived of those meds by the corrections department.
31
They did mention that antidepressants were found in his system, which explains a lot. An antidepressant in someone with bipolar will cause a manic state- often characterized by erratic behavior
6
It stated in the article that Harrell had nothing but anti-depressants and tobacco in his bloodstream, so yes, he was receiving some mental health drugs. Whether they were the effective or appropriate ones I couldn't say.
1
What would be the public's response had the victims been women? Not indifference by the public or the Governor or the legislature or the special enquiry that will result in a finding of malfeasance but no criminal charges.
3
IUPG indirectly makes the most significant point.
We, the public, whoever you want to put in that category, have lost confidence in the system.
There is an old adage that to be considered honorable, you not only have to BE honorable but you must BEHAVE in a way that supports the APPEARANCE that you are honorable. IUPG becomes meaningless - a technicality if you will - if there is too much collateral "information" that suggests otherwise. A bit like that other old adage of being "dead right" when killed by a reckless driver.
The system MUST be broken for these accusations to resonate with so many people. Whether these specific people are guilty or innocent is important to those specific people, but not to society.
As another example, look at the Rolling Stones rape story about UVa. Turned out to be unsubstantiated. But it was assumed true because people who knew the culture were fully convinced that it COULD be true. Finding out that the specifics of the story were wrong has not stopped people from addressing the core underlying culture that gave the story credibility.
Perhaps that will happen here.
We, the public, whoever you want to put in that category, have lost confidence in the system.
There is an old adage that to be considered honorable, you not only have to BE honorable but you must BEHAVE in a way that supports the APPEARANCE that you are honorable. IUPG becomes meaningless - a technicality if you will - if there is too much collateral "information" that suggests otherwise. A bit like that other old adage of being "dead right" when killed by a reckless driver.
The system MUST be broken for these accusations to resonate with so many people. Whether these specific people are guilty or innocent is important to those specific people, but not to society.
As another example, look at the Rolling Stones rape story about UVa. Turned out to be unsubstantiated. But it was assumed true because people who knew the culture were fully convinced that it COULD be true. Finding out that the specifics of the story were wrong has not stopped people from addressing the core underlying culture that gave the story credibility.
Perhaps that will happen here.
2
Very well said. I feel so helpless watching all these stories unfold. We will never know the truths and many lives will be ruined from all sides. The overlying loss of trust and increasing perception (both real and imagined) of crumbling system foundations grows daily and is permeating our country at all levels.
1
"We have met the enemy and he is us."
Pogo
Pogo
9
IUPG - Innocent until proven guilty. First of all, I am appalled that the Times would practice such irresponsible journalism as seen in this "story". As I read the report, the cause of death was not blunt force trauma, but cardiac arrhythmia. It also states that the inmate had cuts and bruises to the head. Where on the head? Were they cuts or deep lacerations? Could the cuts or bruises have occurred while trying to restrain a 6'3" 235 delusional man? You are accusing innocent men and women of murder!! You better have all the facts first. For instance, the writer states that Officers were seen "Jumping" on the inmates head. If an average male, let's say 5'10 and 200 lbs, was jumping on someone's head, wouldn't there be more than cuts and bruises? I would expect that there would be fractured facial bones. In addition, the toxicology report states, according to the writer, "no illicit drugs". Is synthetic marijuana considered an illicit drug? Does the writer know what chemical compounds make up K2? No one that I know of in the NY Prison systems sanctions violence against inmates. All cases are investigated thoroughly. It is apparent that a majority of people commenting on this page do not believe in one of the most sacred principles in the American criminal justice system, holding that people are innocent until proven guilty.
9
Do you seriously think people actually agree with you?
16
I think this line in his comment is very telling: "No one that I know of in the NY Prison systems sanctions violence against inmates." How many people do you know who works in the NY Prison systems? Clearly that's where the bias comes in. I wouldn't be surprised if he/she worked on the inside.
23
Yes I do "Reality Check". I seriously believe that some may be hesitant to speak their minds due to the Mob mentality and the anti-law enforcement agenda of those that are commenting on this forum. This is an obvious waste of my time but I welcome a full investigation that will undoubtedly exonerate these Correction Officers.
Elise, I do work in the prison system and never tried to hide it or I wouldn't have added that part to my response. I think that would make me more knowledgeable than most of the other commentators who only know of prison by what they viewed in Shawshank Redemption or Orange is the New Black. I only ask one thing of you, learn the facts of the incident prior to casting judgement. Btw, you will only read 1/3 of the facts in the actual article due to the fact that the NYS BCI and NYSDOCCS OSI are still investigating the case.
Elise, I do work in the prison system and never tried to hide it or I wouldn't have added that part to my response. I think that would make me more knowledgeable than most of the other commentators who only know of prison by what they viewed in Shawshank Redemption or Orange is the New Black. I only ask one thing of you, learn the facts of the incident prior to casting judgement. Btw, you will only read 1/3 of the facts in the actual article due to the fact that the NYS BCI and NYSDOCCS OSI are still investigating the case.
4
What most don't know is that these NYS prison guards work 20 years and are entitled to a full pension. They must be laughing all the way to the 18th hole. We are indeed a sick society.
10
Get your facts straight. 25 years with a 1/2 pay pension.
9
“Rather than simply relying on allegations made by a handful of violent convicted felons,” he wrote, “we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to ensure a resolution to this tragic incident.” Of course what this means is- We aren't going to change, these cons are subhuman and deserve no rights.
Lapel cameras, not a panacea but may be doing something to make cops monitor their behavior. Expensive, but imagine this, guards rewarded for humane treatment of inmates. Inmates rewarded with privileges for following rules. Less abuse, more buy in. We should demand humane treatment, it doesn't cost any more.
I liked the last article by the same authors about the abuse at Dannemora. Keep it coming. Inmates have precious few people standing up for them. Without sunlight there won't be any changes.
Lapel cameras, not a panacea but may be doing something to make cops monitor their behavior. Expensive, but imagine this, guards rewarded for humane treatment of inmates. Inmates rewarded with privileges for following rules. Less abuse, more buy in. We should demand humane treatment, it doesn't cost any more.
I liked the last article by the same authors about the abuse at Dannemora. Keep it coming. Inmates have precious few people standing up for them. Without sunlight there won't be any changes.
24
These sorts of crimes by corrections officers were going on at Los Angeles County jails for years and years. Finally, a few top officials who ran the County jails have been convicted of covering up, managing and orchestrating the commission of crimes against inmates.
This sort of event in prisons in New York State has been going on since the "Attica Riots" more than 40 years ago, which I remember from when I was a student at SUNY. The crimes will continue unabated unless brave prosecutors ignore public opinion, where people do not care about the human rights of inmates, and the prosecutors start prosecuting these crimes committed by corrections officers.
Given Governor Cuomo's anger at the inmates who escape the prison in northern New York State a few months ago, corrections officers were given a clear signal by Governor Cuomo that it was/is "open season" to physically harm inmates. The message sent by Governor Cuomo was unmistakeable.
This sort of event in prisons in New York State has been going on since the "Attica Riots" more than 40 years ago, which I remember from when I was a student at SUNY. The crimes will continue unabated unless brave prosecutors ignore public opinion, where people do not care about the human rights of inmates, and the prosecutors start prosecuting these crimes committed by corrections officers.
Given Governor Cuomo's anger at the inmates who escape the prison in northern New York State a few months ago, corrections officers were given a clear signal by Governor Cuomo that it was/is "open season" to physically harm inmates. The message sent by Governor Cuomo was unmistakeable.
24
For some reason, I still find it amazing that this goes on. And on and on. Rikers, Clinton, and now Fishkill. And these are just the incidents that are picked up in the press. I'm not going to hold my breath waiting for Albany or our governor to do anything about this, although they can.
Just amazing.
Just amazing.
13
We are the only industrialized country that treats mental health illnesses like this. This is barbaric. And prisoners don't receive the care and the medication they need while incarcerated. And I won't comment on the people who are supposed to guard inmates. Anybody beating anyone to death is a coward beyond redemption.
21
Unfortunately, Canada is experiencing some of the same problems. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mentally-ill-inmates-kept-in-grossly-ina.... The Ombudsman has also reported excessive use of force and solitary confinement in jails as interventions often inappropriately used for those actually needing mental health care.
4
We are forced to incarcerate many people with mental illness to protect their civil rights. We are not allowed by law to confine dangerously mentally ill people and treat them, and to keep them confined if they do not take prescribed medication. Years ago the mentally ill were confined for their and the public's protection. The Liberals decreed that it was violating the civil rights of the mentally ill to confine them even if they would not take the medicine which would help them. We now have hoards of mentally ill bathing in New York city fountains, urinating and defecating on city streets, panhandling aggressively, running the squeegee scam, menacing the public in order to protect the rights of the mentally ill. A lot of mentally ill commit crimes and they go to jail. Prisons are not mental health hospitals, they are prisons. Prison guards are not mental health professionals, they are jail guards and they have to keep order. Is there any chance that the prisoners who loathe the guards and are "witnesses" might stretch the truth ? Might lie to get back at the guards ? The prisoners are murderers, rapist, thieves, drug dealers, violent felons, is there no chance the inmates are exaggerating? Do the prisoners have anything to gain by slandering the guards or lying to get the guards in trouble? How about revenge as a motive?
That's what these guards are: big-time cowards. That's why they are drawn to the opportunity to wear a uniform & badge. If they can't cut it and be cops, they get jobs where the standards are much, much lower and they then can attack people who, on the streets, they'd shrink from in fear, with a big group of their like-minded co-workers and work out their anger & fear issues by senselessly beating up -or killing, in some cases, inmates targeted because they've committed some infraction -whether it's a major one or a minor one. These goons are not supposed to make up the prison's policies as they go along, they're there to uphold the policies already in place-and I probably doubt that this includes gratuitous violence-even if the inmate isn't "resisting" or if he was, has stopped, yet the COs keep on punching & kicking or throwing them down stairs.
And to think, his drug sentence may have been ordained by the out-dated, fanatical laws drawn up to empower officials in bringing the '60-70s "war" on drugs to an end. An inexcusable and monstrous "event" regardless, which, for the record, I too wager to be homicide, cold and simple.
15
Have any of the judges who repeatedly place people — and often, it would appear, innocent people — in the situation described here ever seen the inside of a prison themselves? For some insight into the subtle process of dehumanization that has inevitably led to this situation, see one account of the intake process at Rikers Island that has been made available at:
http://www.manhattanchronicles.com/A-Night-And-Day-at-Rikers-Island.php
http://www.manhattanchronicles.com/A-Night-And-Day-at-Rikers-Island.php
7
I know that all prison officers are not this way, sad to see and I hope that it is only a small percentage that are guilty. I think most of the officers do believe their job is protect and yes, even help inmates maybe get back on a good track.
(also I was told that guards carry guns, officers do not have firearms and most of the security at a prison is un-armed so they are officers. a matter of respect for the good ones)
(also I was told that guards carry guns, officers do not have firearms and most of the security at a prison is un-armed so they are officers. a matter of respect for the good ones)
My tax $$$ are being spent irresponsibly.
A reduced "correctional" staff to inmate ratio results in more overtime & decreased inmate safety. That costs us all more & most definitely contributes to stressful working conditions.
How do Messieurs Cuomo, Annucci, Molinari, Giglio, Leo, Gangi & Guarino justify these unsafe working conditions ?
My experience in a psychiatric facility with a similar resident population having problems with "impulse control", resulted in watching a highly trained "dream team" of a "crisis Intervention team" operate without injuries to staff and/or residents. Our priorities were safety & avoiding litigation.
We then reviewed each "incident" to determine what improvements might be made "next time". Do "corrections" personnel do a review ?
A reduced "correctional" staff to inmate ratio results in more overtime & decreased inmate safety. That costs us all more & most definitely contributes to stressful working conditions.
How do Messieurs Cuomo, Annucci, Molinari, Giglio, Leo, Gangi & Guarino justify these unsafe working conditions ?
My experience in a psychiatric facility with a similar resident population having problems with "impulse control", resulted in watching a highly trained "dream team" of a "crisis Intervention team" operate without injuries to staff and/or residents. Our priorities were safety & avoiding litigation.
We then reviewed each "incident" to determine what improvements might be made "next time". Do "corrections" personnel do a review ?
5
I had occasion to visit some prisons as my mothers photographer and bodyguard). The guards were far worse than any of the inmates we encountered. What a system. And by the way, prison construction is a growth industry.
11
Being a prison guard should not be be a secure job. The power to control invites some people to be abusive and only maturity and the fear of supervision can keep prevent it from looking like an undiscovered criminal enterprise.
5
Sadists paid by our taxes.
12
PLEASE NOTE: The Colonel is a professional Op-Ed writer for the Sunday "Guardian."
Here is another tragic (well documented) of what is called "The Blue Line of Silence." Fifteen corrections officers were seen around the victim, yet no officer came forward to testify or give evidence. Prison higher-ups had nothing to say or they misstated evidence and reports in their possession.
Now: There sits Gov. Cuomo. He reads this article just as I have and you have. Question? What is he going to do about it? He is the governor. He appoints the corrections commissioner. He's in a position to march down there to this prison and blow the whole thing open...fire or indict those responsible.
Will he do it? What do you guess? The article mentions a sergeant, still on staff and drawing a salary, who has in the past been the subject of two court cases by inmates who have been beaten by him. And the cases ended with the state paying five-figure judgments to the two injured inmates.
Gov. Cuomo, we are watching and waiting to see what action you take here. Please don't do nothing, as in the past. -The Colonel
Here is another tragic (well documented) of what is called "The Blue Line of Silence." Fifteen corrections officers were seen around the victim, yet no officer came forward to testify or give evidence. Prison higher-ups had nothing to say or they misstated evidence and reports in their possession.
Now: There sits Gov. Cuomo. He reads this article just as I have and you have. Question? What is he going to do about it? He is the governor. He appoints the corrections commissioner. He's in a position to march down there to this prison and blow the whole thing open...fire or indict those responsible.
Will he do it? What do you guess? The article mentions a sergeant, still on staff and drawing a salary, who has in the past been the subject of two court cases by inmates who have been beaten by him. And the cases ended with the state paying five-figure judgments to the two injured inmates.
Gov. Cuomo, we are watching and waiting to see what action you take here. Please don't do nothing, as in the past. -The Colonel
12
I am beyond outraged that these things happen in this country and yet nothing is done about them. Inmates are punished by incarceration and then tortured the whole time they are there. Sadists must be rooted out of the guard system, tried for their own criminal behavior, and punished if found guilty. The top authorities here need to be fired and the others named by multiple witnesses investigated. A female clinical psychologist has just been hired to direct Cook County Jail in Chicago - might be a good move for this abysmal place.
9
Why isn't every guard and every hallway, bathroom, community room, etc. being videotaped at ALL times???
How could any prisoner come out of hellholes like the one described in this article have any real chance of leading a normal, law abiding life once released back into society? For prisoners with serious mental illness, is there nothing ahead of them but repeated incarcerations and brutality?
Our prisons seem to have only two areas in which they are succeeding: providing employment for violence-prone people and vastly increasing the level of criminal behavior among its inmates.
How could any prisoner come out of hellholes like the one described in this article have any real chance of leading a normal, law abiding life once released back into society? For prisoners with serious mental illness, is there nothing ahead of them but repeated incarcerations and brutality?
Our prisons seem to have only two areas in which they are succeeding: providing employment for violence-prone people and vastly increasing the level of criminal behavior among its inmates.
18
This county of mine is heading toward revolution. Thinking of relocating permanently for my retirement, eager to avoid the coming conflagration. You think I might be exaggerating? Nobody does killing like Americans...
5
My initial outrage lasted all of one minute. I thought two things: all legal measures should be taken to hold every single one that participated in this accountable, and there must be a way to prevent this from happening again.
At that second thought, my fury burst, and deflated.
The people in this prison are only part of a larger problem.
Our political and entertainment choices overwhelmingly skew towards glorification of physical retribution, the abuse of power over the weak, the shirking of conscience and compassion, the outward displays over genuine substance, and the dehumanizing of The Other.
The treatment of The Other is apparent in police officers and black citizens; the public discourse between opposing political parties or religious views; how people treat someone of a different economic class, especially if it's lower. This is apparent in its most raw form in internet babble. The intellectually lazy way out, to just dismiss The Other, is rampant everywhere.
So much is driven by opposition. So many people get power and money by stomping on others. So many ordinary people get sucked into the mentality of Us vs Them, the reality tv show idea that there can only be one winner and that requires the utter destruction of the loser.
"WE the people", that often quoted but never read document begins; WE.
We have many problems. We will have to work together to make any headway towards solving them. We.
At that second thought, my fury burst, and deflated.
The people in this prison are only part of a larger problem.
Our political and entertainment choices overwhelmingly skew towards glorification of physical retribution, the abuse of power over the weak, the shirking of conscience and compassion, the outward displays over genuine substance, and the dehumanizing of The Other.
The treatment of The Other is apparent in police officers and black citizens; the public discourse between opposing political parties or religious views; how people treat someone of a different economic class, especially if it's lower. This is apparent in its most raw form in internet babble. The intellectually lazy way out, to just dismiss The Other, is rampant everywhere.
So much is driven by opposition. So many people get power and money by stomping on others. So many ordinary people get sucked into the mentality of Us vs Them, the reality tv show idea that there can only be one winner and that requires the utter destruction of the loser.
"WE the people", that often quoted but never read document begins; WE.
We have many problems. We will have to work together to make any headway towards solving them. We.
11
You are correct, black citizens do treat The Other, i.e. white people, appallingly.
did the correction officers receive hazard pay ie money over and above their regular
salary because of this encounter
compensation would be a reason to provoke violence don
t ya think?
salary because of this encounter
compensation would be a reason to provoke violence don
t ya think?
No they do not receive "hazard" pay. They are scrutinized heavily by the NYS Office of Special Investigations for using force on an inmate.
2
this was very upsetting to read. In this country we incarcerate the mentally ill and then beat them to death while they are behind bars. As a country and as a society, we have to be better then this.
14
You are not 'better than this' - as a nation you are brutal and callous towards your poor and sick.
Tomorrow your rage disappears but their suffering continues.
Tomorrow your rage disappears but their suffering continues.
1
With the overcrowding and poor condition in many of Austria’s prisons, I think you should be taking the spec out of your own eye before complaining about the log in the Americans eye.
Our jail system is moral error on the order of slavery. This must stop.
Prisoners' Lives Matter.
Prisoners' Lives Matter.
12
Wonder how you would feel about their lives if they killed or hurt someone important in your life. Prisoner's Lives Matter will never catch on. Good try.
The inmate who was killed, a non-violent, mentally ill man with a drug offense, did not kill or hurt anyone. He was the one who was hurt and killed in a barbaric way that is illegal, unconstitutional and unacceptable in any civilized society.
4
If you want to see some of the countries biggest sadists, just observe the parking lot during any shift change at a prison.
14
This is really sad. I got to stop reading these articles because they just makes me so angry and filled with despair, and I don't even live in the US, it is not my people even though I am married to an American.
For those who think there is no way out. I'd say there is a way to deal with this. In Norway were I am from it is quite low violence levels in prisons but that is because they are run on entirely different principles. A guard is not a 2-3 week job training as I understand it is in the US. It is instead a 2 year education where you basically learn to be a form of social worker. Norwegian prison guards are not watching prisoners from afar with a bat, they are working close on the prisoners, more like a social worker. They know the prisoners very well and help them deal with their problems.
While people might complain that is giving the prisoners a too cushy job, you have to actually see this from the prison guards perspective as well. Being a violent thug is actually mentally taxing. Going around beating prisoner all day ruins the mental health of prison guards as well. Norwegian prison guards actually feel they are making a difference doing their job.
Norwegians prisons don't actually cost that much more to operate. Not sure why but I suspect building essentially fortresses with lots of security systems is quite expensive. And maintain a draconian regime is expensive.
For those who think there is no way out. I'd say there is a way to deal with this. In Norway were I am from it is quite low violence levels in prisons but that is because they are run on entirely different principles. A guard is not a 2-3 week job training as I understand it is in the US. It is instead a 2 year education where you basically learn to be a form of social worker. Norwegian prison guards are not watching prisoners from afar with a bat, they are working close on the prisoners, more like a social worker. They know the prisoners very well and help them deal with their problems.
While people might complain that is giving the prisoners a too cushy job, you have to actually see this from the prison guards perspective as well. Being a violent thug is actually mentally taxing. Going around beating prisoner all day ruins the mental health of prison guards as well. Norwegian prison guards actually feel they are making a difference doing their job.
Norwegians prisons don't actually cost that much more to operate. Not sure why but I suspect building essentially fortresses with lots of security systems is quite expensive. And maintain a draconian regime is expensive.
13
Time to allow those previously rejected high IQ applicants to populate the police ranks and corrections system. We cannot do worse than the horrifically sanctioned violence than we have now. If America is not to mirror Putin's dictatorship regime, we need to add more thinking humane people into our law occupations. And that includes management level positions. America can only survive through decency and compassion.
5
The public tends to view inmates as dangerous criminals - out of sight and out of mind. Be that as it may these people are truly wards of the state: they are confined and controlled. It is the duty of the state to protect them from fire, violent prisoners, disturbed inmates and violent guards etc.
The superintendents usually hide in their office looking forward to a generous retirement. The guards are controlled by the 'captain". Union or no union if a few captains lost their jobs CO violence would disappear - the captains and the guards are all humble men doing their time until retirement.
The superintendents usually hide in their office looking forward to a generous retirement. The guards are controlled by the 'captain". Union or no union if a few captains lost their jobs CO violence would disappear - the captains and the guards are all humble men doing their time until retirement.
5
No need to read more than the first few lines of this article to understand the grim story of what happened to Samuel Harrell.
Just for starters, (because there's a lot more to why Mr. Harrell was kicked in the head instead of being handed his evening mood stabilizer by a trained mental health worker), but just for starters, forty years ago this country closed the doors to mental hospitals and left the mentally ill and their desperate families out in the cold to fend for themselves.
The gapping jaws of the prison system have conveniently swallowed up the poor souls who's lives are tangled up by the chemical mess of mental imbalance... which is just so unpleasant to look at and so hard to really deal with, how convenient that they can be dumped somewhere out of sight. Prison, where we empower equally imbalanced men to weld batons and to stomp upon people's heads.
Only with a bout of national of soul searching, accompanied by a miraculous exorcism from past irrational and inhuman choices, can we re-define how we choose to treat one another. And only then will I risk reading to the end of the article in the hopes of discovering something that I don't already know, in the hopes of discovering that we humans have become worthy of the title.
Just for starters, (because there's a lot more to why Mr. Harrell was kicked in the head instead of being handed his evening mood stabilizer by a trained mental health worker), but just for starters, forty years ago this country closed the doors to mental hospitals and left the mentally ill and their desperate families out in the cold to fend for themselves.
The gapping jaws of the prison system have conveniently swallowed up the poor souls who's lives are tangled up by the chemical mess of mental imbalance... which is just so unpleasant to look at and so hard to really deal with, how convenient that they can be dumped somewhere out of sight. Prison, where we empower equally imbalanced men to weld batons and to stomp upon people's heads.
Only with a bout of national of soul searching, accompanied by a miraculous exorcism from past irrational and inhuman choices, can we re-define how we choose to treat one another. And only then will I risk reading to the end of the article in the hopes of discovering something that I don't already know, in the hopes of discovering that we humans have become worthy of the title.
23
Having been in ny correction I know first hand what the co''s and administration in ny prison can and will do to a person. I've seen bones broke,beatings and even deaths at the hands of some of the most racist people in this country. And if people really cared it wouldn't be hard to find out the truth. I'm out now and I'm not afraid to tell all I know
6
To put things in perspective, since 1941 11 corrections officers were killed during the 1971 Attica riots - nine killed by the police and national guard - and just one other was killed (1991) by direct inmate action. That's just three killed by direct inmate action in 74 years. Sad but not such a dangerous job to make routinely beating inmates understandable.
12
Thank you for the statistics. I remember the news stories after the Attica Prison was retaken by the State of New York. The new stories were full of lies that the inmates had ALL of the dead guards.
You prove my point that the venom exhibited by Governor Cuomo and New York corrections officers towards inmates is both barbaric and undeserved.
You prove my point that the venom exhibited by Governor Cuomo and New York corrections officers towards inmates is both barbaric and undeserved.
4
I am pro union but recently when seeing the protections granted by public unions to police officers and corrections officers who have killed and brutalized American residents around the country I wonder if it is time to modernize those unions.
Perhaps Gov. Scott Walker who has been so successful in busting public unions in his state could go to New York City and bust the unions that protect the CO's at Rikers Island and then onto the state level. Then and only then without union protection could the sociopathic guards who work in jails and prisons be weeded out and punished and no longer be protected by their unions.
Perhaps Gov. Scott Walker who has been so successful in busting public unions in his state could go to New York City and bust the unions that protect the CO's at Rikers Island and then onto the state level. Then and only then without union protection could the sociopathic guards who work in jails and prisons be weeded out and punished and no longer be protected by their unions.
6
This has all the makings of a TV series, Inmate killed in opening scene, bullying sadistic guards, white wash union, blind eye turning corrupt Governor, more corrupt officals in Albany, some going to jai; on thier own, corporate jail builers with hands in the till. So what part will Morgan Freeman play?
4
The series was already made: OZ. Remember? It was the innermost circle of hell for all involved in the prison.
These abuses are known and persistent in New York Prisons. The buck stops at Governor Cuomo's desk. The media need to be as persistent in confronting him for this failure of leadership and management.
Hope the New York Times wins a Pulitzer Prize for this series. They have earned it.
Hope the New York Times wins a Pulitzer Prize for this series. They have earned it.
27
Who doubts the over the top brutality described in this article?
Who believes for one second that the corrections officers were "just doing their jobs" properly and now dozens of witnesses are colluding to frame them?
I do not doubt for one moment that the Beat Up Crew is real. I believe these "officers" acted like a gang by beating and killing Harrell then, LIED about it to cover their tracks. WHO DOESN'T??
The unforgivable thing is this is one case from one day in a century's worth of "invisible" cases just like it that no one will EVER know about because of the "blue wall of (collusion)". From the union head to the chief of corrections on down to the newest correction officer, they lie and cover-up with our heretofore tacit permission because in "our" society, convicts (rightly or wrongly convicted is irrelevant) are throwaways.
Now, what's that REALLY say about "us" as a nation and society???
Who believes for one second that the corrections officers were "just doing their jobs" properly and now dozens of witnesses are colluding to frame them?
I do not doubt for one moment that the Beat Up Crew is real. I believe these "officers" acted like a gang by beating and killing Harrell then, LIED about it to cover their tracks. WHO DOESN'T??
The unforgivable thing is this is one case from one day in a century's worth of "invisible" cases just like it that no one will EVER know about because of the "blue wall of (collusion)". From the union head to the chief of corrections on down to the newest correction officer, they lie and cover-up with our heretofore tacit permission because in "our" society, convicts (rightly or wrongly convicted is irrelevant) are throwaways.
Now, what's that REALLY say about "us" as a nation and society???
16
Fire ALL the NY State prison guards and send the murderers among them to prison. Send in the National Guard to replace them until a new and more just system can be created.
Cuomo has a lot to answer for.
Cuomo has a lot to answer for.
9
"James Miller, a spokesman for the corrections officers’ union, the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, said in an email last month that Mr. Harrell was “acting violently and appeared delusional as a result of apparently ingesting drugs.” While trying to subdue him, one guard had several ribs broken, Mr. Miller said."
Mr. Miller, as an emergency physician (with a bit more training and experience than your correctional officers) I find that I cannot reliably determine from an initial encounter that someone is acting violently and appears delusional as a result of apparently ingesting drugs versus as a result of mental illness. Perhaps you would care to explain how your officers can perform this feat. To me, your statement must reflect either lying or ignorance. It must be one or the other as negative blood tests prove you are wrong.
Also, in the emergency room, I have participated in the restraint of hundreds of delusional and violent patients without contributing to injury or death. We are hit and kicked by patients. We do not hit or kick back. We restrain. We do it safely. And we do it with less staff than you have. It isn't easy, but we do it.
So, you ask us not to believe convicted felons. But why should I believe the corrections officers when you clearly do not speak the truth?
Mr. Miller, as an emergency physician (with a bit more training and experience than your correctional officers) I find that I cannot reliably determine from an initial encounter that someone is acting violently and appears delusional as a result of apparently ingesting drugs versus as a result of mental illness. Perhaps you would care to explain how your officers can perform this feat. To me, your statement must reflect either lying or ignorance. It must be one or the other as negative blood tests prove you are wrong.
Also, in the emergency room, I have participated in the restraint of hundreds of delusional and violent patients without contributing to injury or death. We are hit and kicked by patients. We do not hit or kick back. We restrain. We do it safely. And we do it with less staff than you have. It isn't easy, but we do it.
So, you ask us not to believe convicted felons. But why should I believe the corrections officers when you clearly do not speak the truth?
40
If James Miller have a doctor's training he wouldn't work as a prison guard wouldn't he? And that's the point, the guards aren't doctors but it is still their job to prevent inmates from hurting themselves and others.
As for restraining delusional and violent patient, the most violent criminally insane are in prison and treated in prison because of the danger they pose to the outside world. The guards also had to restrain Mr Harrell while surrounded by 19 violent inmates. That's not a common situation in hospital emergency room.
Now, if you have a fraction of the integrity and humanity you claim to have I would like to see you volunteering at a nearby maximum security prison so inmates would have better care and guards wouldn't be so overworked.
As for restraining delusional and violent patient, the most violent criminally insane are in prison and treated in prison because of the danger they pose to the outside world. The guards also had to restrain Mr Harrell while surrounded by 19 violent inmates. That's not a common situation in hospital emergency room.
Now, if you have a fraction of the integrity and humanity you claim to have I would like to see you volunteering at a nearby maximum security prison so inmates would have better care and guards wouldn't be so overworked.
Why should he volunteer? The state pays to staff the prison with undereducated goon squads rather than dedicated medical personnel. And many COs earn more per year than many professional medical providers.
Tell the state to hire the proper personnel to staff what have become our de facto mental institutions.
Tell the state to hire the proper personnel to staff what have become our de facto mental institutions.
Sad, isn't it, that every day for the last year, since the death of Michael Brown, there are more and uglier reasons to explain to us white folks the reason for the "Black Lives Matter" movement.
Sad, isn't it, that I used to give law enforcement the benefit of the doubt, but now I accept the worst as likely true about cops and corrections officers.
Sad, isn't it, that this mentally ill murdered prisoner won't be the last.
Sad, isn't it, that I used to give law enforcement the benefit of the doubt, but now I accept the worst as likely true about cops and corrections officers.
Sad, isn't it, that this mentally ill murdered prisoner won't be the last.
18
While prisoners cannot vote in most states given the levels of incarceration I wonder why can't those family members affected by this the most band together to influence elections? It would seem worthy of their time to find a way to match the political contributions of the prison unions and corporations who seek to block prison reforms. Clearly - reform has become all about who can pump in the largest amount of money, and I am sure in the real world (as it is inside), the prisoners (and their families) far outnumber the guards.
3
Because there aren’t enough of them, their numbers are to low. What they need is a political power house behind them.
1
People with criminal record shouldn't vote period. If we have law preventing criminals from practice as CPA we should have laws barring criminals from voting.
This story is about a prison event, but it's not a prison problem. Our nation is fast slipping into the habit of approaching all social problems in a spirit of anger, vindictiveness and violence, with little or no interest in moderation, rehabilitation, and understanding of the losers and misfits or - perhaps - reflection on social changes that might reduce the rate of crimes and criminally forbidden actions. Is it any wonder that the prison system attracts the angry, vindictive and violent to seek employment?
So long as we remain unwilling to acknowledge how far we've failed to maintain our image of what this nation is, from the matter of underfunded infrastructure and public services to the claim of justice for all, we'll delude ourselves in blissful ignorance and hide from the fact that doing things right costs more than letting things go to hell. In the very short term, that is. "No new taxes" is a motto for the "not my problem" mentality. But OUR country is OUR problem and everything that's done in its name should be done in a spirit of healing and reforming by qualified people with the temperament and training necessary to raise our prison system into a force for good.
Yes, it will cost money. So too will safe bridges, safe food, safe drugs, safe air and train travel, and implementation of those shelf-miles of unenforced regulations that supposedly embody our national values.
So long as we remain unwilling to acknowledge how far we've failed to maintain our image of what this nation is, from the matter of underfunded infrastructure and public services to the claim of justice for all, we'll delude ourselves in blissful ignorance and hide from the fact that doing things right costs more than letting things go to hell. In the very short term, that is. "No new taxes" is a motto for the "not my problem" mentality. But OUR country is OUR problem and everything that's done in its name should be done in a spirit of healing and reforming by qualified people with the temperament and training necessary to raise our prison system into a force for good.
Yes, it will cost money. So too will safe bridges, safe food, safe drugs, safe air and train travel, and implementation of those shelf-miles of unenforced regulations that supposedly embody our national values.
28
Truer words never spoken.
1
Governor Cuomo if you had an once of political courage you would stop this.
18
Right. And if pigs had wings they would be eagles.
1
The events and the systematic cover ups by the prison system and the state of New York are a complete disgrace! Should not be allowed to be continued in any way, shape or form.
14
Abuse of prisoners by Correction Officers. How do we correct this outrageous and criminal behavior by those who have sworn to uphold the law? Where do these Correction Officers come from? Education? What screening, background checks and interviews tell us about these violent, immoral men?
One solution: Prosecute to the full extent of the law. And, true leadership at the top........always the key to a successful organization........who will have zero tolerance for the criminals who abuse, assault and maim those they should be protecting. Just sickening. Prison reform is so, so overdue. Where are our leaders?
One solution: Prosecute to the full extent of the law. And, true leadership at the top........always the key to a successful organization........who will have zero tolerance for the criminals who abuse, assault and maim those they should be protecting. Just sickening. Prison reform is so, so overdue. Where are our leaders?
12
Thank you for your post, treabaton. Most of our leaders focus only on those who pay them. What happens in this country is up to us - the 300 million or so citizens. We need to take our online comments and turn them into coordinated, 24/7 action. Most of our leaders have shown us that we can't rely on them - but we haven't learned from those who are committed to change, either. Let's change that. Millions of innocent people: children, women whose rights have been stripped from them, homeless veterans and mentally ill, etc., etc. - are waiting for those of us who have the wherewithal to DO something. Whose country is this, anyway?
2
Maybe someone can explain why corrections officers with dozens and dozens of grievances filed against them are still getting promoted, and permitted to work as "investigators" in the DOC Inspector General's office. It appears that the most criminal gang in New York State is NYSCOPA.
29
1 word. UNION. That and an utter lack of accountability. First and foremost, ensure that each and every corner of the prison has cameras watching. In this day and age, it's not that hard to accomplish this. We don't need tapes and such, all the data can very easily and cheaply be stored in the cloud. Much like every cop should have a body cam, every prison should be camera'd up to the tee...
Your front page lead in to this story said "after a fight". It should have said "after a beating".
A bunch of thugs jumping on a guy are not in on a fight.
A bunch of thugs jumping on a guy are not in on a fight.
37
NY State Prison is not the only such entity where this deliberate acts of terror goes no. The Southern Prisons in SC, GA, AL, MS, LA, TX, OK, AR, AZ and some others like ID , MD, NJ etc are even worst. Just like the cops prison guards even with lower intelligence / down right brutal mentality and ingrained self righteousness are even worst.
9
Those who defend abuses of authority this blatent really are complicit.
19
No, those that want to be lenient to criminals are likely to have criminal records themselves.
AmateurHistorian - Where on earth do you get that little nugget of mistruth? Really, if you think murder and torture are OK then you should just say so. Impugning people who don't believe in murder as criminals is a poor and insensible argument.
4
Video cameras are not that expensive--so it's clear why they don't have any in this prison--because they don't want a record of the guard's terrorist violence.
21
This is just plain awful. How can we as a civil society allow this sort of criminal prisoner abuse to continue? Yes, I know jails have criminals in them. But their sentence is decided by the courts, not the jailers and other prisoners. Does anyone care that this is not civilized behavior and that the perpetrators are the ones who should be maintaining order? Why are criminals running our prisons?
Will Albany ever be responsible to anyone other than itself?
Will Albany ever be responsible to anyone other than itself?
15
Most prison guards are cowards, often brutal and sadistic ones, abetted by criminally inclined police and prison guard unions. Our law enforcers are rarely star athletes. On the contrary, solo fights are never their schtick. Much too dangerous to engage in fights with physical equals. Too often they barely make the physical grade to compete at the highest level of sporting competitions. They're backup, pushy, bullying, like their parents. Think about it; Who do you know from your high school class who ended up as a prison guard? In nearly every case, it's someone you would easily cast as an organized crime enforcer, that is, a thug. But since he's a public employee, his gang is his union. Who else hires them?
16
Most prison guards are just people doing their eight hours to get home to their families, earning their pay. Some, unfortunately, are "cowards, often brutal and sadistic ones". I speak as one who was inside fairly recently, and found that most of the guards just wanted a quiet shift and would often go out of their way to ensure one.
This poor man. His final moments sound excruciating. Prison guards - and generally, police officers - need to be trained in dealing with mental illness. Such illnesses are only exacerbated by the conditions of prisons - the stress, the constant need for vigilance, the brutality, the inability to go outside or be alone in a quiet space, lack of medical care....I could go on. This was a needless death and I hope all of these guards are held accountable. And this is only one of the cases we have heard about. Who knows how many more violations this "Beat Up Squad" has committed to earn such a nickname? If this had happened in solitary, we likely never would be reading about it in the NYT.
14
This is heartbreaking to read. What happened to "I was in prison and you came to me..."?
10
If you are a prison guard, you are responsible not only for enforcing prison restrictions but also the safety of the inmates. Period. These guards do not deserve the job or the very generous benefits it provides. If it's a "difficult"job then I am sure there are plenty of security guard positions open that are much lower-pressure as alternative career paths.
I am chilled that our justice system, from policing to incarceration, so closely resembles that of a fascist country. These officers should be suspended without pay immediately, then be given their due process in court. I personally hope that they are convicted and get to spend some time cooling their heels in general population. It would be a just wake up call for them, and their peers who are watching.
A sentence passed down, in a trial by a jury of one's peers, is the only punishment an individual should face for a crime they have committed. Do we really have to hate one another to this extent?
I am chilled that our justice system, from policing to incarceration, so closely resembles that of a fascist country. These officers should be suspended without pay immediately, then be given their due process in court. I personally hope that they are convicted and get to spend some time cooling their heels in general population. It would be a just wake up call for them, and their peers who are watching.
A sentence passed down, in a trial by a jury of one's peers, is the only punishment an individual should face for a crime they have committed. Do we really have to hate one another to this extent?
21
>>>>I am chilled that our justice system, from policing to incarceration, so closely resembles that of a fascist country.
Ironic that many conservatives and talk radio junkies blather on about what might happen if this country "becomes" fascist, or complain that it already is, while at the same time supporting the policies and politicians that allow this behavior to continue, and often approving of it themselves and having a good laugh while quaffing beer or cognac with their buddies.
Ironic that many conservatives and talk radio junkies blather on about what might happen if this country "becomes" fascist, or complain that it already is, while at the same time supporting the policies and politicians that allow this behavior to continue, and often approving of it themselves and having a good laugh while quaffing beer or cognac with their buddies.
1
If this is allowed to continue, we may as well call it state-sponsored terrorism.
This is happening on Cuomo's watch. It's already part of his legacy, along with the Moreland Commission.
If Cuomo is half the leader he believes himself to be, he'll attack the corruption killing people in the New York prison system.
If he doesn't address it, then he, and everyone else involved, should be held legally complicit.
This is happening on Cuomo's watch. It's already part of his legacy, along with the Moreland Commission.
If Cuomo is half the leader he believes himself to be, he'll attack the corruption killing people in the New York prison system.
If he doesn't address it, then he, and everyone else involved, should be held legally complicit.
11
A mistake to say that this is part of "Cuomo's watch."
Thus was it ever in prisons, and Americans will not support the funding required for prison reform, including the exclusion of psychopathic brutes as Correctional Officers.
Much of the public feels like, "Well, let them not commit crimes; let them stay out of prison."
That ain't gonna happen either. If you don't spend the money to fix social ills, you're going to have overcrowded prisons; if you don't spend the money to make those prisons truly rehabilitative and competently run, you'll always have corruption, violence, and crime within them.
Thus was it ever in prisons, and Americans will not support the funding required for prison reform, including the exclusion of psychopathic brutes as Correctional Officers.
Much of the public feels like, "Well, let them not commit crimes; let them stay out of prison."
That ain't gonna happen either. If you don't spend the money to fix social ills, you're going to have overcrowded prisons; if you don't spend the money to make those prisons truly rehabilitative and competently run, you'll always have corruption, violence, and crime within them.
4
Maybe we should randomly drug test police and prison guards. These behaviors are not human.
9
The solution to this problem or epidemic is to increase the number of surveillance cameras in U.S. prisons. This can be a deterrent, evidence of (or lack of) any wrong-doing, and a strong message from the public that there will be no more stories, such as this.
Inmate Lives Matter.
Inmate Lives Matter.
13
It's as if just as it's a "right of passage" for black men to pass through the prison system, it is also a "right of passage" for a guard to beat someone, or have a hand in beating someone, to show they're" one of us".
Typically, in my opinion, this is the attitude from "the top down". Just as a ball club takes on the characteristics of their manager, so too do the men in this management structure.
Typically, in my opinion, this is the attitude from "the top down". Just as a ball club takes on the characteristics of their manager, so too do the men in this management structure.
9
“Rather than simply relying on allegations made by a handful of violent convicted felons,” he wrote, “we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to ensure a resolution to this tragic incident.”= We have already decided the officers are innocent.
14
Everyone is innocent until proven guilty even if they work in a profession "liberals" like to demonize. Who are clearly not innocent are those hardened criminals locked within those walls.
Are you referring to the guards that are criminals or the criminals being guarded by the criminal guards?
1
Put Donald Trump in charge of the prisons! I would never ever vote for him for President but I think he'd get some reforms done... if we could interest him in this probably thankless job.
Unlikely. He'd let a captured soldier rot, I don't think he'd be the man for the job.
4
So you admit, unlike the rest of DC, Trump can get something done. Yes! Trump, 2016!
1
Only if there's money in it for him. His money is for him, not for anyone else, despite their need.
5
Under Hitler the Germans used to say "Ich haben es nicht gewusst" (I really didn't know). Here we say Thanks New York Times, that is a new one for me.
6
Jail is jail. I'm surprised people imagine jail to be some heaven of sorts.
3
These incidents should be investigated and prosecuted by an independent prosecutor appointed by the governor.
12
As a criminal lawyer, I'm not at all surprised that it now comes out that Clinton Prison in Dannemora, NY was not the only place in New York state where prison inmates were regularly beaten at the hands of guards. This state has a long and ugly history of prison-guard violence, as the uprising at Attica Prison in the early 70's made so clear. And lest there be any doubt, as "bad" as some prisoners may be--at least in the eyes of some, including some NYT commenters here--they do not "deserve" to be beaten and abused. More important, beatings and abuse by prison guards represents a serious abrogation of the rule of law--a rule which prevails even in prison. We must only hope that those entrusted to enforce our federal and state criminal laws act quickly and decisively and that our courts sentence any convicted beaters and abusers to the substantial sentences that they have earned. If we do anything less, and fail to enforce the rule of law, we will all be at risk.
24
So the State of New York would rather pay over $120,000 (at least) to settle claims, instead of investigating the Sergeant Guarino. I'm sure he's not the only prison officer who has been sued.
The corrections department should be ashamed of themselves and work to fix this. By not taking action they're sending a message that brutality is condoned.
The corrections department should be ashamed of themselves and work to fix this. By not taking action they're sending a message that brutality is condoned.
19
American warts - all pus filled and oozing - getting exposed by the NYT. What a system.
4
If the guards weren't allowed to be tough with the prisoners prison rapes and gang activity would be even more out of control than they already are.
4
Unless of course it's the guards raping & mistreating the prisoners.
3
Are you serious????? It is one thing to try and instill discipline by eliminating privileges for infractions of the rules, it is entirely another to kill a human being. Go back and watch FOX.
In other words, it isn't working.
1
Outstanding journalism; thanks.
One California story: a professor moved his family after his son reported that a playmate indicated that after parole, his dad would apply to be a cop.
Both as a juror and as a driver (my car was hit by a cruiser), my disgust for some cops continues.
Surely, we deserve a better system from our local police, for example.
When will corrupt jails and prisons be kept under wraps?
One California story: a professor moved his family after his son reported that a playmate indicated that after parole, his dad would apply to be a cop.
Both as a juror and as a driver (my car was hit by a cruiser), my disgust for some cops continues.
Surely, we deserve a better system from our local police, for example.
When will corrupt jails and prisons be kept under wraps?
1
Part of the problem is that the county district attorney, who has limited resources, is supposed to prosecute these cases. The state attorney general should do so.
But there is opposition. In California, we have the same problem. Local attorneys general do not have the resources to research and prosecute prison abuse issues, and so do not. When one actually did so, the powerful prison guards union supported his challengers in the next election; he lost. After that, no local DA has dared.
Some years back a bill in the state assembly sought to give jurisdiction in these cases to the state AG. The Democratic candidate was for it; so was the Republican. It still got killed, by the powerful guards union, with votes against from both parties.
But there is opposition. In California, we have the same problem. Local attorneys general do not have the resources to research and prosecute prison abuse issues, and so do not. When one actually did so, the powerful prison guards union supported his challengers in the next election; he lost. After that, no local DA has dared.
Some years back a bill in the state assembly sought to give jurisdiction in these cases to the state AG. The Democratic candidate was for it; so was the Republican. It still got killed, by the powerful guards union, with votes against from both parties.
9
Gee if they need resources, maybe Mr Trump with his limitless resources could help, whoops, no, his resources are just for him.
1
Keep up the good works exposing the NYS Gulags. It appears that small town thugs are in charge of the inmates in our prisons. The 'hear-no-evil-see no evil-speak no evil wardens need to held criminally accountable also.
Amnesty International has cited these types of abuses, but of course our do nothing 'representatives' do nothing.
We truely are a sick society.
Amnesty International has cited these types of abuses, but of course our do nothing 'representatives' do nothing.
We truely are a sick society.
12
Upstate prisons was a way of supporting a declining economy upstate.
1
This is a terrible, difficult, dangerous, under-paid job. Those who do it are sometimes not fit, not trained, not properly supervised. Absent stories like this one and the recent story about reprisals against prisoners at Clinton, we would not have a window into the vile conduct of the guards involved. Governor Cuomo and his staff have allowed this to go on, and must be held responsible for those actions. Andrew is no Mario. He isn't fit to be a dogcatcher, much less governor of New YOrk.
Governor Cuomo: I am ashamed and horrified.
Governor Cuomo: I am ashamed and horrified.
10
Oh, brother. Another in a long series of attack articles aimed at Police, Prison Guards and Prosecutors.
Don't you liberals WANT to be protected? Do you hate the rule of law SO much that you're willing to attack the dedicated people who provide protection?
Samuel Harrell was a mentally ill criminal with a long history of physical violence and drug distribution. It's sad that he died, but it's also clear that he was where he belonged.
..in prison, away from us.
Don't you liberals WANT to be protected? Do you hate the rule of law SO much that you're willing to attack the dedicated people who provide protection?
Samuel Harrell was a mentally ill criminal with a long history of physical violence and drug distribution. It's sad that he died, but it's also clear that he was where he belonged.
..in prison, away from us.
6
I think I can be sufficiently protected without guards throwing a handcuffed, straight-jacketed prisoner down a flight of stairs.
26
We want protection not brutalization.
We want the constitution to always be upheld; the only way to maintain our civility towards a progressive society.
We want the constitution to always be upheld; the only way to maintain our civility towards a progressive society.
10
When a person is sentenced to prison, they lose their freedom, but they should not lose their safety...
What makes you think its okay for guards to beat prisoners to death or terrorize them?
If there are any lessons to be learned in prison, this is not the way to have someone come out a better person that will benefit society.
What makes you think its okay for guards to beat prisoners to death or terrorize them?
If there are any lessons to be learned in prison, this is not the way to have someone come out a better person that will benefit society.
16
From the article: “Anyone found to have engaged in any misconduct or in any legal violations will be disciplined and prosecuted,” the department said in a statement.
Yeah, sure ... is there anything about this statement we can believe? There's no doubt the guards lied about how Samuel Harrell received his injuries and about Mr. Harrell use of synthetic marijuana. There statements are on the record and they lied ... about everything. Making statements like those should get you charged if not convicted of obstruction of justice ... an extremely serious crime. Patrick Fitzgerald, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said that obstruction of justice should be considered among the most serious of crimes because it is a foundational tactic to thwart justice.
So, at the very least these guards should be charged with obstruction ... that is if anyone in the State of New York is actually interested in securing justice. However, it's clear that in these situations, guards get free passes from justice not because they're what they did wasn't criminal but because the presumption of society at large and state government officials in particular that prisoners should not even be considered to be human, but monsters to be kept away from the rest of us.
So if guards kill a prisoner ... it's just a "retirement" of another monster. But in truth, in reality who are the real monsters?
Yeah, sure ... is there anything about this statement we can believe? There's no doubt the guards lied about how Samuel Harrell received his injuries and about Mr. Harrell use of synthetic marijuana. There statements are on the record and they lied ... about everything. Making statements like those should get you charged if not convicted of obstruction of justice ... an extremely serious crime. Patrick Fitzgerald, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said that obstruction of justice should be considered among the most serious of crimes because it is a foundational tactic to thwart justice.
So, at the very least these guards should be charged with obstruction ... that is if anyone in the State of New York is actually interested in securing justice. However, it's clear that in these situations, guards get free passes from justice not because they're what they did wasn't criminal but because the presumption of society at large and state government officials in particular that prisoners should not even be considered to be human, but monsters to be kept away from the rest of us.
So if guards kill a prisoner ... it's just a "retirement" of another monster. But in truth, in reality who are the real monsters?
12
Perhaps most shocking among the comments is that no one seems terribly surprised. Certainly not after reports of routine abuse at Rikers and the reports of the beatings in Clinton after the two escapes.
Also not surprising is that nothing will be done. Guaranteed. Nothing will change.
Also not surprising is that nothing will be done. Guaranteed. Nothing will change.
5
Unfortunately the racist mutual hatred between the white and the black has not vanished yet and it's hardly possible to occur in the near future and in the prison this hatred is just increasing quite much - the result of it is well known.
A visit to the movie, "From here to eternity" will show you how brutal confinement can be if the wrong people are the jailers. On the other hand, we are asking our jailers to perform almost impossible tasks when many of their prisoners have so many mental problems from a variety of causes. There are no easy or simple solutions to control a large group of confined males, in particular.
1
It's all happening on your watch, Cuomo. Do you get it? Do any politicians get it?
6
The article mentions the lack of cameras at the facility. I live in a nice building of condominium apartments in Forest Hills, New York. When you approach the building's main entrance you are photographed by a wide angle camera, when you approach the garage you are photographed, in the lobbies or the hallways you are photographed, and you are photographed in the garage itself and in the washroom area. To wit: everywhere you go outside your own premises you are photographed. Now this is in a residential condo building. The prisoners in our state criminal institutions deserve the same sort of protection and surveillance; it would protect them and protect us. It would also record any instances of illegal activity in the prison. Why do we continue to be so very parsimonious about protecting our citizens and the inmates of our prisons. Such a camera system would also protect the people working as guards in the prisons. If police will all be wearing cameras soon, so should all correction officers. Stop the accusations and get the real proof of what is going on.
20
@Joel Friedlander
Have you considered who the cameras in your building are trying to protect you from? The same people that's currently locked up in prison. In fact, maybe your cameras sent one to prison.
If you don't like the idea of prison protecting the innocent, maybe you can remove the cameras in your building and let criminals get away.
Have you considered who the cameras in your building are trying to protect you from? The same people that's currently locked up in prison. In fact, maybe your cameras sent one to prison.
If you don't like the idea of prison protecting the innocent, maybe you can remove the cameras in your building and let criminals get away.
Governor Cuomo you were ubiquitous and outspoken in the days and weeks following during the prison break at Dannemora? But you have been silent in regards to the beat downs and assaults on inmates that allegedly followed that escape. Where are you on what happened at Fishkill? New York State is badly in need of prison reform.
10
Why do prison guards have the right to beat up prisoners whether they're misbehaving or not? If a prisoner is misbehaving then he needs more charges brought against him and more time to serve--certainly an inducement to good behavior. Letting corrections officers get away with committing crimes is not a legally or morally acceptable substitute for our legal system .
14
"An officer is responsible for all things that happen or fail to happen on his watch."
Andrew Cuomo is derelict is his duties and should resign or be removed from office by the appropriate means.
Andrew Cuomo is derelict is his duties and should resign or be removed from office by the appropriate means.
10
Keep shining your light in these dark places from prisons to psychiatric hospitals and juvenile institutions the abuse is hidden. Cuomo needs his feet held to the fire until he cleans up the trash piles that he oversees.
18
It's a little deeper than jobs for guards. A large slice of a particular demographic, a particular constituency gets rendered null and void with every clink of the cage door, with every click of the cuffs, with every jangling of the shackles. Almost like reverse redistricting.
5
Governor Cuomo was “Johnny on the spot” when it came to the prison escape
How come the Governor has not raced to Fishkill or Dannemora to spear head the investigation into this abuse of corrections officers?
How come the Governor has not raced to Fishkill or Dannemora to spear head the investigation into this abuse of corrections officers?
12
"Beat Up Squad — repeatedly kicked and punched Mr. Harrell, who is black, with some of them shouting racial slurs"
If you're going to include the race of the victim, how can you not list the races of the "Beat Up Squad"? We're left to infer that every member of this group was white and this was a racist attack. If it was multiracial I find it very hard to believe that the whites would have been shouting racial slurs.
If you're going to include the race of the victim, how can you not list the races of the "Beat Up Squad"? We're left to infer that every member of this group was white and this was a racist attack. If it was multiracial I find it very hard to believe that the whites would have been shouting racial slurs.
10
Very sad that you are obsessed about the race of the guards instead of what actually happened to the victim. Just imagine them any color that comforts you, how about that?
3
It seems as if Sergeant Guarino needs to defend himself in the court of public opinion. We're listening for your defence, Sergeant Guarino. I don't expect you'll have a pleasant retirement, if this court convicts you.
3
Gov't services (federal, state, local) are very abusive in the USA across the entire spectrum from prison services to homeless services.
Nothing is given professionally and kindly in this country in the rendering of public services.
Everything is provided grudgingly, and with hate all with billions and billions of taxpayers dollars being spent.
I wonder when will the American People, the voters, bring an end to this 'dark era' in its history?
Nothing is given professionally and kindly in this country in the rendering of public services.
Everything is provided grudgingly, and with hate all with billions and billions of taxpayers dollars being spent.
I wonder when will the American People, the voters, bring an end to this 'dark era' in its history?
20
Prisons are not public service. These criminals didn't filled out an application to go to prison for a bed and hot meals. And kindness? You want kindness in prison?
what is wrong with us!
how can we let this go on!
where is our Governor!
when will we elect a leader who will put and end to this cruelty!
why are all our politicians such feckless empty suits!
so sad....
how can we let this go on!
where is our Governor!
when will we elect a leader who will put and end to this cruelty!
why are all our politicians such feckless empty suits!
so sad....
23
Don't like the way your treated in jail? Don't do something to land you in jail. Is that so hard?
1
New laws with severe penalties covering deaths while in the custody of the police or in jail are desperately needed. Otherwise the killing continues with impunity.
6
Seems like these guards need to be inmates, both to see the effects of their horrific acts of violence and for justice to actually be served, and not prison justice.
NY's prison's seem run by criminals, oops I mean guards.
It's not an easy job but it must done within the law.
Arrest these murderers who killed this poor man.
NY's prison's seem run by criminals, oops I mean guards.
It's not an easy job but it must done within the law.
Arrest these murderers who killed this poor man.
9
Remember, it is also the State of New York that is run by criminals. And we continue to pay their salaries, despite their graft.
Commenters need to start thinking about how best to punish bad Wall Street thieves, bad cops, bad prison guards, bad politicians. And, since some of them probably can read, when word of how they will be punished starts becoming ubiquitous, their behavior may change.\
Because to wait on our criminal "justice" system for action is absurd.
Commenters need to start thinking about how best to punish bad Wall Street thieves, bad cops, bad prison guards, bad politicians. And, since some of them probably can read, when word of how they will be punished starts becoming ubiquitous, their behavior may change.\
Because to wait on our criminal "justice" system for action is absurd.
1
Our entire "justice" system is anything but just. Reminiscent of Clockwork Orange ... too many of the real thugs end up in the police (prison guard staff ... any position of "authority" in law enforcement), where they can indulge their psychotic behavior with impunity.
We need better vetting, ongoing testing, psychological evaluation and, most importantly, constant surveillance of anyone in these positions.
We need better vetting, ongoing testing, psychological evaluation and, most importantly, constant surveillance of anyone in these positions.
6
So inmates do not lie, cheat nor steal? They do not manipulate outsiders by pulling at heartstrings? They do not embellish or exaggerate to get even with Corrections Officers who make them toe the line? Yes....none of that happens in our state prisons. Instead they are all angelic and of course innocent. When is the NYT going to do a reporting piece on the number of frivolous lawsuits filed by inmates in the Court of Claims. That would really be an eye opener.
7
If someone lied on me, you better believe I would respond to a call, facebook message, email to deny the allegations. Silence says a lot, and none of it good. Yes, some inmates do lie, just as some prison guards are savages.
1
As we acknowledge in the story, inmates are imperfect sources. In this case, though, we had 19 of them who viewed this encounter from many vantage points. Plus we had an autopsy and medical records. We contacted the Correction Department shortly after Harrell died, and many times since then. They've given us almost no information. The officers involved would not speak. The union gave minimal information. So we have to rely on the accounts we can get. If the officials involved choose not to engage, there's nothing we can do about it. But we're still going to write these stories.
2
@Michael Schwirtz
I believe you gave your crime scene reconstruction skill to much credit. As it stands, I do not believe you can even confirm all 19 were where they say they were let alone reliably describe the scene. These aren't 19 random people on the street like normal witnesses, these are 19 people that live together, members of a prison hierarchy and shares dislike of the accused.
I believe you gave your crime scene reconstruction skill to much credit. As it stands, I do not believe you can even confirm all 19 were where they say they were let alone reliably describe the scene. These aren't 19 random people on the street like normal witnesses, these are 19 people that live together, members of a prison hierarchy and shares dislike of the accused.
1
These guards would be great at Amazon. Jeff Bezos should think of hiring them.
6
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this reporting.
10
And I quote:
"Granting maximal rights to all citizens would have a high cost in terms of safety, while denying those rights would have a high cost in terms of freedom. So what does America do? It does both: it formally grants rights to all, but systematically denies them to blacks and the poor. White, wealthy America gets maximal freedom and maximum safety, and sidesteps the difficult question of how much constitutional protection we could afford if we were willing to ensure that it was enjoyed by all people."
"The Reactionary Mind." Corey Robin
"Granting maximal rights to all citizens would have a high cost in terms of safety, while denying those rights would have a high cost in terms of freedom. So what does America do? It does both: it formally grants rights to all, but systematically denies them to blacks and the poor. White, wealthy America gets maximal freedom and maximum safety, and sidesteps the difficult question of how much constitutional protection we could afford if we were willing to ensure that it was enjoyed by all people."
"The Reactionary Mind." Corey Robin
6
I disagree with general implementation of surveillance cameras in public spaces. However, why are prisons not loaded to the hilt with surveillance systems?
Surveillance would protect the public from prisoners' frivolous and fraudulent lawsuits, and would also protect prisoners (and we the general public) from murderers masquerading as prison staff.
The cost could be partially or even entirely compensated by the reduction in both attempted and successful prisoner lawsuits.
Surveillance would protect the public from prisoners' frivolous and fraudulent lawsuits, and would also protect prisoners (and we the general public) from murderers masquerading as prison staff.
The cost could be partially or even entirely compensated by the reduction in both attempted and successful prisoner lawsuits.
97
There are no cameras because the people in power-- from the guards right up to Governor Cuomo who turns a blind eye -- don't want what happens to be recorded.
And all of us who sit by and try not to think about it, turning a blind mind, are equally culpable.
We have created in the U.S. a mindset that says brutality is "OK" in "some" circumstances. But those circumstances are multiplying. OK to torture prisoners b/c waterboarding isn't torture in Bush World. OK to beat prisoners, in state institutions and at Rikers Island, right her in de Blasio's blue city of NY. OK for untrained cops to shoot first, think later. If you look at the U.S. from the outside, we look like some barbaric society from some other era, where human life is simply not valued. If poor people get sick, let 'em go without healthcare say the GOP governors who won't take federal dollars to care for their sick and poor. Repeal the ACA say the GOP in Washington -- take health care coverage away from the working poor or the disabled. Use the electric chair or chemicals that don't work or even a firing squad to kill prisoners. More guns in the hands of more people.
This is the United States of America -- an ever growing cesspool of depraved in humanity to man. Let's just be honest about it. Put all the pieces together and the picture is beyond civilization.
And all of us who sit by and try not to think about it, turning a blind mind, are equally culpable.
We have created in the U.S. a mindset that says brutality is "OK" in "some" circumstances. But those circumstances are multiplying. OK to torture prisoners b/c waterboarding isn't torture in Bush World. OK to beat prisoners, in state institutions and at Rikers Island, right her in de Blasio's blue city of NY. OK for untrained cops to shoot first, think later. If you look at the U.S. from the outside, we look like some barbaric society from some other era, where human life is simply not valued. If poor people get sick, let 'em go without healthcare say the GOP governors who won't take federal dollars to care for their sick and poor. Repeal the ACA say the GOP in Washington -- take health care coverage away from the working poor or the disabled. Use the electric chair or chemicals that don't work or even a firing squad to kill prisoners. More guns in the hands of more people.
This is the United States of America -- an ever growing cesspool of depraved in humanity to man. Let's just be honest about it. Put all the pieces together and the picture is beyond civilization.
1
There's no newsflash here. These stories could be repeated endlessly, emanating from prisons in every state across the country. There is no honor and no respectability among the population of correctional staff in this country. They either participate as gangs assaulting prisoners, or they conspire with silence and bogus explanations for what they saw or claim not to have seen. What happened to Mr. Harrell was an assault. The false statements by corrections officers that followed the assault are lies told in official documents in furtherance of a conspiracy; they are felonies told to cover up the assault and murder of a powerless inmate. And what's worse, these crimes are common. They are routine. THAT's the story here. Not the fact that corrections officers commit assault. But rather that corrections officers routinely commit assault and routinely lie in their official reports and in response to questions during investigations as a common occurrence, as a routine. They commit assault routinely and with impunity, and then they lie and perjure themselves in furtherance of the conspiracy to assault and then cover up, and they do so routinely. THAT is the story.
9
Though stories like this one are horrific, I'm hopeful to see a lot more media coverage of abuses by police and prison employees. Media outlets are starting to see that people do care and are interested. Even more hopeful is seeing that police and prison officials are beginning to face criminal charges for their criminal behavior. Praying that this is the start of a major overhaul of a horribly corrupt system. Most of the presidential candidates seem to understand that our justice and penal system are rife with corruption, abuse and racial discrimination. Let's keep the pressure on and make sure election-year promises are kept. If you want to help, please consider supporting the work of the Equal Justice Initiative.
3
Wow, I love the way NYTimes is portraying these harden murderers as caring family man. Asking each other if they are feeling down because of their family and so on. Must be all the heart to heart talk and trust exercise they do on the street that make them so sensitive and caring.
Mr. Harrell is a physically strong mentally deranged hardened criminal that bent on going home that day. I have no problem believing it takes 20 officers to control the scene from other criminals and wrestle down Mr. Harrell. The fact Mr. Harrell died proves he will fight to the death anyone that stood in his way.
As for the aonymous "witness accounts", let's just say everyone in prison is innocent. Yeah, I'll believe them.
Mr. Harrell is a physically strong mentally deranged hardened criminal that bent on going home that day. I have no problem believing it takes 20 officers to control the scene from other criminals and wrestle down Mr. Harrell. The fact Mr. Harrell died proves he will fight to the death anyone that stood in his way.
As for the aonymous "witness accounts", let's just say everyone in prison is innocent. Yeah, I'll believe them.
4
The article doesn't say much about Harrell except that he was diagnosed with a mental illness, was in jail several times for repeated drug offenses, and had no record of violent offenses (at least while in jail). It didn't say he was a caring family man - just that he died and his family mourned him. In contrast, one of the officers accused of abuse, Guarino, has been repeatedly sued for brutality. The state has paid $125,000 in damages for his behavior, which might lead one to think there was some merit to the accusations. I'm sure there are violent inmates, but the officers have the power there; they are representatives of a system that is supposed to be law-abiding, not abusive. And it sound like Harrell had no history of violence. Our police and corrections officers cannot be above the law.
104
"Harden murderer"? He was in for a drug crime, his criminal history was of drug crimes, and none of his infractions in prison was violent. Pretty big leap you made. And rather twisted logic to blame a person beaten to death for his own death. 20 people should be able to restrain a large, mentally ill man without killing him. But then, restraint doesn't mean punching and kicking a person to death.
22
Mr Harrell has been in and out of prison multiple times which means he is unrepentant... a career criminal. His latest crime carries at least a 5 years sentence and landed him among murderers which means to is something serious and likely violent. Mr Harrell also suffers from mental illness and we know at the time of the incident he was in full blown mental mode.
From the description in this article, we know at least 19 inmates are in the immediate vicinity as the fight breaks out. 20 officers responded to the scene where at least 20 inmates (Harrell 19 witnesses) are present.
Analyzing the facts presented in the article, the mostly likely scenario is Mr Harrell went mental, trying to leave his cell block because he was being released. Confronted by guards he proceeded to assault them believing they are trying to make him stay. More guards showed up to control the scene and Mr Harrell passed out and later died from the physical confrontation and his poor physical condition.
The autopsy clearly states Mr Harrell died from cardiac arrhythmia, not head injuries, jumped as trampoline, throw down stairs or bent in impossible position as other inmates claimed.
From the description in this article, we know at least 19 inmates are in the immediate vicinity as the fight breaks out. 20 officers responded to the scene where at least 20 inmates (Harrell 19 witnesses) are present.
Analyzing the facts presented in the article, the mostly likely scenario is Mr Harrell went mental, trying to leave his cell block because he was being released. Confronted by guards he proceeded to assault them believing they are trying to make him stay. More guards showed up to control the scene and Mr Harrell passed out and later died from the physical confrontation and his poor physical condition.
The autopsy clearly states Mr Harrell died from cardiac arrhythmia, not head injuries, jumped as trampoline, throw down stairs or bent in impossible position as other inmates claimed.
1
People of any stripe cannot police themselves. Officers would have to be, to a man or woman, an army of saints not to misuse their power when no one is watching. When they think they can get away with it, drivers speed. When no one is looking, police officers, soldiers, and corrections officers will misuse violence. They are just like the rest of us, untrustworthy when Mom is not around and the cookie jar is just sitting there. Civilian review, please.
3
Scott Walker has earned hero status among conservative donors for zealously destroying public employee unions in Wisconsin. But I wonder whether his zeal extends equally to prison guards.
Here in California, the prison guards' union is one of the largest donors to candidates for statewide office. Those donations surely must have influenced officials' decision to fight federal court orders to fix deplorable conditions in prisons, and to drag their feet about instituting reforms when they lost the fight. If similar conditions prevail in New York, it may explain why prison guards enjoy free license to act like sadistic thugs.
The real problem is that prison guards are possibly the only American workers who enjoy secure employment in the only recession-proof growth industry that still exists in this country. At least until Corrections Corp. of America decides to outsource its facilities to Vietnam or Bangladesh.
Here in California, the prison guards' union is one of the largest donors to candidates for statewide office. Those donations surely must have influenced officials' decision to fight federal court orders to fix deplorable conditions in prisons, and to drag their feet about instituting reforms when they lost the fight. If similar conditions prevail in New York, it may explain why prison guards enjoy free license to act like sadistic thugs.
The real problem is that prison guards are possibly the only American workers who enjoy secure employment in the only recession-proof growth industry that still exists in this country. At least until Corrections Corp. of America decides to outsource its facilities to Vietnam or Bangladesh.
57
I am starting to think that the series Lock Up on MSNBC that shows only firm but fair officers might naught be as true to life as claimed.
Original sin? Nope, slavery was only the beginning of ongoing and constant sin.
Treatment today of Black Americans on the edge of society is worse, much worse than slavery ever was. At least slaves, to be of any value to their owners, had to live.
Today death or near death seems to be the norm.
All lives matter but evidently there are lots of bigots who simply won't give up their prejudice.
And American sin, whether original or not, continues.
Treatment today of Black Americans on the edge of society is worse, much worse than slavery ever was. At least slaves, to be of any value to their owners, had to live.
Today death or near death seems to be the norm.
All lives matter but evidently there are lots of bigots who simply won't give up their prejudice.
And American sin, whether original or not, continues.
4
It is long overdue that these guards and police officers committing crimes get prosecuted.
6
""described being beaten and choked with plastic bags by corrections officers seeking information about the escapees." Sandra Bland allegedly hung herself with a plastic bag in Texas. I think it sounds more like a plastic bag is a tool of the trade. If it is that risky for an inmate to blow the whistle on sadists, how hard must it be to call attention to a fellow officer? I think you're as likely to convict a corrections officer of a beating as you are to arrest a cop for drunk driving.
8
It may sound speculative, but how an arrested person may be in possession of a plastic bag?
1
Black bodies, from the moment arriving on these shores have served as a “jobs” program for lower and middle class whites.
As Professor Joe R. Feagin writes in his book, “The White Racial Frame: Centuries of Racial Framing and Counter-Framing, “large numbers of ordinary whites in all colonies, northern and southern, worked in occupations linked directly or indirectly to the slavery system…A great many whites benefited economically in one way or another from the slavery-centered economic complex.”
Today, mass incarceration and the prison industrial complex has replaced the slavery-centered economic complex, where black bodies continue to be brutalized while providing an economic footing for whites.
As Professor Joe R. Feagin writes in his book, “The White Racial Frame: Centuries of Racial Framing and Counter-Framing, “large numbers of ordinary whites in all colonies, northern and southern, worked in occupations linked directly or indirectly to the slavery system…A great many whites benefited economically in one way or another from the slavery-centered economic complex.”
Today, mass incarceration and the prison industrial complex has replaced the slavery-centered economic complex, where black bodies continue to be brutalized while providing an economic footing for whites.
64
There are plenty of Black prison guards in the system to provide evidence that you should not make such a generalization.
Having been arrested so many times for child support arrears in Bergen County New Jersey I can say that the county has given me a first hand view of what goes in inside. There are men that either can't make a few hundred dollars of bail and have to sit until trial or they are waiting to get before a judge because child support is so high that they can't pay it.
What I believe is happening here, and in any municipality that has cameras now, is that law enforcement is screaming out, "Stop resisting! Stop resisting" as a way to justify to future viewers why they are assaulting someone. They also say, "He's going for my gun!", so other can join in.
Resisting being choked out is as natural as blinking.
Defending yourself from kicks to the head and stomach is as automatic as one's heart beating.
The public should be VERY VERY careful when listening and watching videos of police brutality and the exclamations of officers in most cases. Believe your eyes, not the many "bad apples" that we have now.
Additionally, wonder where they hire these men from? I believe the vast majority are the abusers of the common people in Iraq and Afghanistan. That's why they hate Americans.
Now these same former military men are turning their "skills" on us.
What I believe is happening here, and in any municipality that has cameras now, is that law enforcement is screaming out, "Stop resisting! Stop resisting" as a way to justify to future viewers why they are assaulting someone. They also say, "He's going for my gun!", so other can join in.
Resisting being choked out is as natural as blinking.
Defending yourself from kicks to the head and stomach is as automatic as one's heart beating.
The public should be VERY VERY careful when listening and watching videos of police brutality and the exclamations of officers in most cases. Believe your eyes, not the many "bad apples" that we have now.
Additionally, wonder where they hire these men from? I believe the vast majority are the abusers of the common people in Iraq and Afghanistan. That's why they hate Americans.
Now these same former military men are turning their "skills" on us.
9
Yea Ridg I'm going to listen to and feel sorry for a deadbeat dad
Frederick Nietzsche wrote, "When you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you." Over time, prison guards become just like the prisoners they guard. Where were the CCTV cameras and the officer worn video cameras to document the incident?
5
I am happy to see this in the news, we have a crisis going on in this county. No more abuse in prison. Inmates can't speak out or they get hurt and harassed more. This is incredibly sad and there is NO oversight in these institutions. Anyone that works in a prison knows this..and its you who need to stop this abuse and speak out. My deepest sympathy and prayers for this family.
6
Our country has no longer a justice system in place. The corruption permeates everything. From the police to the prison systems, to state sanctioned torture, everything. It is disgraceful, criminal and dangerous to our communities. We are witnessing the downfall of our values as a Country. I was hoping our President would fix some of these problems. How naive.
3
The poor soul just wanted to go home, and for that he was beaten to death.
I have a sister who is mentally ill and has been institutionalized. She too has packed her bags and said she was going home when she was not. She can be delusional, stubborn beyond words and uncooperative.
Thankfully, she has been treated well. Those who work at the facilities that have cared for her are trained to work with the mentally ill. Aggression is a last resort not a team sport as it appears to be in Building 21 at Fishkill.
The state needs to protect its most vulnerable in its prison system, the mentally ill, like Mr. Harrell, and keep them from becoming punching bags for the outliers of Team Corrections. The alternative is continued misery for the imprisoned and their love ones, and lawlessness on the part of those sworn to uphold the law.
I have a sister who is mentally ill and has been institutionalized. She too has packed her bags and said she was going home when she was not. She can be delusional, stubborn beyond words and uncooperative.
Thankfully, she has been treated well. Those who work at the facilities that have cared for her are trained to work with the mentally ill. Aggression is a last resort not a team sport as it appears to be in Building 21 at Fishkill.
The state needs to protect its most vulnerable in its prison system, the mentally ill, like Mr. Harrell, and keep them from becoming punching bags for the outliers of Team Corrections. The alternative is continued misery for the imprisoned and their love ones, and lawlessness on the part of those sworn to uphold the law.
113
I don't have numbers to back this up, but I believe that better pay and training for corrections officers in general would go a long way to reducing violence in prisons. Many of them are making barely above minimum wage. But better pay and training means more tax money. So I see this as resulting from the right wing grip on government giving tax cuts to the wealthy and reducing $ for criminal justice, and using fear of the results to attract votes. Another symptom of the pessimistic view of mankind by a small but vocal minority on the right.
Cops kill unarmed black people. Prison guards brutalize inmates all the time. Because of the NRA, mentally ill people can buy weapons and mow down hundreds of innocent lives. Nothing is ever done nor will be done. Other than comments that are vetted prior to printing by the NY Times, one need only read the insane comments posted by readers of other publications. They are filled with profanity, hate, prejudice of every type and support of brutality. Not only do I not respond to these comments, I genuinely fear for our once great nation. We don't have to worry about ISIS, el Quaeda, China or any other terrorist group. We are doing ourselves in. Shame is now the name of the game.
3
The NYT should interview Mr. Cuomo immediately and ask him what he intends to do about the shameful jail and prison systems in New York. You are writing about beatings and homicides of mentally ill people.
NYT articles continue to reveal conduct by guards that is criminal and completely unacceptable in any civilized society. The "Shawshank" break at the Clinton prison upstate showed a system that was poorly managed to say the very least. The situation at Rikers Island has also been shown to be intolerable.
Cuomo must tell us what he is doing to restore civilized and legal behavior to New York's criminal justice system.
NYT articles continue to reveal conduct by guards that is criminal and completely unacceptable in any civilized society. The "Shawshank" break at the Clinton prison upstate showed a system that was poorly managed to say the very least. The situation at Rikers Island has also been shown to be intolerable.
Cuomo must tell us what he is doing to restore civilized and legal behavior to New York's criminal justice system.
8
Perhaps copies of the works of Drs. Lifton, Milgram, and Zimbardo need to be placed in the hands of our elected officials.
Empty the cells from all the non-violent criminals doing time for drug possession to make space for the violent criminals the murderous guards.
8
Really glad you changed the title of this piece.
It wasn't a fight - it was a beat-down with depraved indifference to life.
It wasn't a fight - it was a beat-down with depraved indifference to life.
15
"As many as 20 officers — including members of a group known around the prison as the Beat Up Squad — repeatedly kicked and punched Mr. Harrell...."
No surprise here. These guards take the orders from New York State's #1 "tough guy," Andy "Empty Suit" Cuomo.
No surprise here. These guards take the orders from New York State's #1 "tough guy," Andy "Empty Suit" Cuomo.
14
I am so grateful the NY Times is running these articles on the ugly disgrace of America's justice system and it's gulag-style prisons. Particularly appalling in large cities like NYC and Los Angeles, our prisons and jails have become cesspools of corruption, near Dickensian in their brutality. It is vital to a free nation that we, the public, are aware of these abuses.
However - to repeat myself ad infinitum - nothing will be done. There will be cries for change and promises of reform, but they will fade quickly and the horrific conditions will continue. No politician ever got elected by being "soft" on crime, and very few have the moral courage to stand up against these abuses. Someone once said we get the government we deserve, and no where is that observation more apparent than here.
However - to repeat myself ad infinitum - nothing will be done. There will be cries for change and promises of reform, but they will fade quickly and the horrific conditions will continue. No politician ever got elected by being "soft" on crime, and very few have the moral courage to stand up against these abuses. Someone once said we get the government we deserve, and no where is that observation more apparent than here.
40
Given what they are paid and where they work, it's hard to recruit quality people to become prison guards...usually you end up with people who can't find a better job, many of whom have a few screws loose themselves.
6
War vets, carefully sensitivity trained.
3
Why do ypu people always cry over the miscreants? They had to be a criminal to be in JAIL to begin with. Why can't you people live by the philosophy that says " If you don't like jail and the restrictions it imposes don't commit a crime to get PUT IN JAIL"
3
Jail is supposed to be for rehabilitation.
4
This is the sort of tyranny and abuse that we are supposed to be protected from as Americans. This is the opposite of freedom from oppression. People with guns and power should not be able to abuse the most vulnerable.
4
The US Constitution does not allow maltreatment of prisoners. Violence and murder is NOT restrictions allowable by law. Leave the US and go to Saudi Arabia or Russia where it is OK to abuse prisoners with impunity if you object to the US Constitution. What you wrote is simply un-American.
4
Maybe we should just execute every person convicted of a crime. I would rather be put to a permanent sleep rather than spend one second incarcerated and abused.
3
Good idea. I have always believed any sentence(s) exceeding 20 years should turn into death-sentence. There is no point spending $1 million over 20 years housing someone that wasn't and never will be productive.
More effective to execute those who kill the imprisoned and detained.
1
Or, conversely, we could follow the true examples of enlightened Western nations (Norway, etc. I'm looking at you) and do away with ridiculous sentences, including life without possibility of parole. There is an exception for EXTREMELY dangerous individuals, who should still be up for parole on a regular basis. Our puritanical streak of writing an individual off for good is appalling in 2015.
3
I saw this same type of thing in California's jails and prisons. It is everywhere.
6
Day after day throughout my life I have heard or read of black men and on occasion black women being beaten on the streets or in prison by primarily white officers. Our nation has a history from its inception of betrayal and abuse to people whose skin color is not shared. I am close to concluding there is no solution to this problem as long as we (and I am one) white American men ask ourselves and honestly seek the answer to the question; what is wrong with us?
We have never truthfully asked ourselves why it is we are so afraid of life that we have to punish others who don't share our fear. Until we do we will visit pain and suffering on others primarily the weakest and most marginalized among us.
We can dance around it as much and as long as we wish but until we, overwhelmingly men, not only recognize we have a real and serious problem but are also willing to accept and deal with it there will never be a stop to the madness of violence.
We have never truthfully asked ourselves why it is we are so afraid of life that we have to punish others who don't share our fear. Until we do we will visit pain and suffering on others primarily the weakest and most marginalized among us.
We can dance around it as much and as long as we wish but until we, overwhelmingly men, not only recognize we have a real and serious problem but are also willing to accept and deal with it there will never be a stop to the madness of violence.
11
It's not just video cameras showing us what has always been going on. Police and prison guard terrorism has increased since the Citizens United decision of 2010 created an American plutocracy. We are now living in a police state, and its brutality has only just begun.
12
"since the Citizens United decision of 2010 created an American plutocracy"
I'm sorry, but this claim is absolute nonsense.
I'd be willing to bet you never read that decision - a decision which said that 1st amendment does not allow the government to fine or jail people for making a political documentary before an election simply because they formed a small corporation to do it.
Your wild, misplaced. effort to blame police or prison conditions on the decision is insane.
I'm sorry, but this claim is absolute nonsense.
I'd be willing to bet you never read that decision - a decision which said that 1st amendment does not allow the government to fine or jail people for making a political documentary before an election simply because they formed a small corporation to do it.
Your wild, misplaced. effort to blame police or prison conditions on the decision is insane.
Much of the violence had to learned in the Iraq and Afghan wars.
2
I used to work in a federal district court that dealt with some complaints from this prison as well as many other prisons. Here's the thing: 99.9% of the time inmates are lying. They just are, and that's not because we're attributing that to being a "criminal." They look at this stuff as a pay day.
You'd be surprised how many times there'd be a successful lawsuit and we'd get flooded with complaints alleging nearly identical facts. It's almost like prisoners talk amongst themselves and figure out ways to try to scam the system.
Granted, there were some complaints that had merit. However, by and large, the vast and overwhelming majority of complaints we got from prisoners were sua sponte dismissed (on the court's own motion). Now, there were a bunch of conditions of confinement cases that had some merit, but those weren't alleging beatings or anything, more like lack of heat, inedible food, etc....
In short, these types of stories should be received with a heavy dose of skepticism. When you've read hundreds, if not thousands of these complaints, you understand that prisoners get bored and have access to legal materials and choose to pursue endeavors that garner large payouts. Moreover, because of the prison litigation reform act, they can have their filing fee ($300+ dollars) waived and have it deducted from their prison account over time (and no more than like 10% of the account can be deducted at any one time, basically they'll never pay the full filing fee).
You'd be surprised how many times there'd be a successful lawsuit and we'd get flooded with complaints alleging nearly identical facts. It's almost like prisoners talk amongst themselves and figure out ways to try to scam the system.
Granted, there were some complaints that had merit. However, by and large, the vast and overwhelming majority of complaints we got from prisoners were sua sponte dismissed (on the court's own motion). Now, there were a bunch of conditions of confinement cases that had some merit, but those weren't alleging beatings or anything, more like lack of heat, inedible food, etc....
In short, these types of stories should be received with a heavy dose of skepticism. When you've read hundreds, if not thousands of these complaints, you understand that prisoners get bored and have access to legal materials and choose to pursue endeavors that garner large payouts. Moreover, because of the prison litigation reform act, they can have their filing fee ($300+ dollars) waived and have it deducted from their prison account over time (and no more than like 10% of the account can be deducted at any one time, basically they'll never pay the full filing fee).
22
That's great. How then, do you suppose, he did sustain all these injuries remarkably consistent with violent, sustained assault? How do you explain the erroneous statements by guards that he had taken drugs, despite the autopsy confirming otherwise?
This case is 99% clear cut but here you are again speculating that, no, it's all the inmates fault — guards clearly cannot set a foot wrong.
If your first thought at reading this article was "better stand up for the guards" then something is desperately and inadequately wrong with your moral compass.
This case is 99% clear cut but here you are again speculating that, no, it's all the inmates fault — guards clearly cannot set a foot wrong.
If your first thought at reading this article was "better stand up for the guards" then something is desperately and inadequately wrong with your moral compass.
7
There are the 19 affidavits from people unrelated the Mr. Harrell, and Mr. Harrell's dead body. I'm not sure who stands to receive a payout from this.
Is it possible that this abuse is so typical and predictable that many of the complaints you've read are genuine? Maybe because many people in prison come from poor and/or Black communities targeted for divestment from public education that their complaints aren't written as clearly or persuasively as could be.
Is it possible that this abuse is so typical and predictable that many of the complaints you've read are genuine? Maybe because many people in prison come from poor and/or Black communities targeted for divestment from public education that their complaints aren't written as clearly or persuasively as could be.
1
Perhaps, a civilian review board that specializes in seperating the truth from the lies would help. As I'm sure you would be concerned that, with all the lying, we might miss some valid complaints, when they occur (see boy who cried wolf).
People of any stripe cannot police themselves. Officers would have to be, to a man or woman, an army of saints not to misuse their power when no one is watching. When no one watches, drivers speed. When no on is looking, police officers, soldiers, and corrections officers will misuse violence. They are just like the rest of us, untrustworthy when Mom is not around and the cookie jar is just sitting there.
Civilian review, please.
People of any stripe cannot police themselves. Officers would have to be, to a man or woman, an army of saints not to misuse their power when no one is watching. When no one watches, drivers speed. When no on is looking, police officers, soldiers, and corrections officers will misuse violence. They are just like the rest of us, untrustworthy when Mom is not around and the cookie jar is just sitting there.
Civilian review, please.
NYS like many other States and parts of the Federal Government is corrupted to the core.
From the Governors' office literally down to the jails with the legislator in between both political parties an now "trusted" public officials & servants the State has a cancer and its stage 4.
Public financing of all State campaigns, let anyone who can get 100 signatures on a petition have an equal opportunity to get elected.
Complete review and evaluation of all public employees conducted by a third party and extend to all local municipalities as well. It's time for new blood in NYS.
As far as the NYS Dept. of Corrections is concerned, literally blow it up. New jails with new officers.
From the Governors' office literally down to the jails with the legislator in between both political parties an now "trusted" public officials & servants the State has a cancer and its stage 4.
Public financing of all State campaigns, let anyone who can get 100 signatures on a petition have an equal opportunity to get elected.
Complete review and evaluation of all public employees conducted by a third party and extend to all local municipalities as well. It's time for new blood in NYS.
As far as the NYS Dept. of Corrections is concerned, literally blow it up. New jails with new officers.
3
this is scandalous.....heads shd roll....we need a special prosecutor...where is Cuomo leadership or the AG on this!!!!sickening!!!!
5
Life is a lot easier when you do not participate in criminal behavior and go to prison. This is not a secret.
4
I see you didn't read the article last week about a black man who was arrested for possession of a soda and straw, and then got beat up at Rikers because he refused to give the prosecutor a guilty plea. The prosecutor eventually was forced to dismiss the charge after the lab found no drugs on the straw, but presumably was satisfied that the defendant had received the punishment he deserved. This was just one example of how prosecutors use bail to coerce guilty pleasure, irrespective of actual guilt.
While what you say is technically correct, it seems that our world leading incarceration rate is enhanced by serving the needs of people who profit from making the numbers rather than bringing criminals to justice. And even genuine criminals who justly deserve incarceration do not deserve arbitrary brutality by sadistic lying prison guards.
While what you say is technically correct, it seems that our world leading incarceration rate is enhanced by serving the needs of people who profit from making the numbers rather than bringing criminals to justice. And even genuine criminals who justly deserve incarceration do not deserve arbitrary brutality by sadistic lying prison guards.
5
True but so what?
Apart from the fact that innocent people are also convicted and sent to prison, going to prison should not mean being left at the mercy of a group of sadistic guards, who beat, abuse and kill with seeming impunity.
I'm beginning to think that shipping people off to the America's and Botany Bay was far more humane. Even the stocks look almost benign in comparison.
I'm beginning to think that shipping people off to the America's and Botany Bay was far more humane. Even the stocks look almost benign in comparison.
4
Instead of saying "prisoner" or "felon", replace those terms with "American citizen" or simply "human being". Those incarcerated for their crimes are there to do a punishment of time...not a punishment of torture, abuse, rape, and death. Had these things occurred over seas, we would be up in arms over their horrible treatment...
23
Yes the punishment is so harsh most of the prisoners are on their second or third go around
It is long past time that the U.S. Department of Justice hold Governor Cuomo accountable for the corruption and vicious treatment of the inmates incarcerated in all of the prison and jail facilities in the State of New York. Thus far the Governor has refused to hold those in DIRECT charge of the prisons accountable. He has been allowed to dilly-dally for far too long on the issue of humane treatment and the death of prisoners.
If human decency can't persuade Mr. Cuomo to solve these horrific problems then it is incumbent upon the U.S. Attorney's office to take immediate steps to help persuade him. Immediate means N.O.W.
If human decency can't persuade Mr. Cuomo to solve these horrific problems then it is incumbent upon the U.S. Attorney's office to take immediate steps to help persuade him. Immediate means N.O.W.
10
I'm shocked, and so on. As it has been demonsrated time and again, the people guarding the prisoners are the same bunch as the prisoners. Mostley sad losers with a percentage of truly evil mixed in.
New York's Bravist?
Sure, and I have a bridge for sale.
New York's Bravist?
Sure, and I have a bridge for sale.
3
If this is indeed a for profit prison system, there is most of the problem right there. For profit systems are organized and maintained to make profit $$$ for the owners and shareholders. You do that by keeping budgets low for supplies, maintenance, employee salaries and training and every other item that has to be paid for.
For profit systems do not belong in any of the human service or caregiving services in the US.
For profit systems do not belong in any of the human service or caregiving services in the US.
14
its a non-profit government agency. but even non-profits make profits for someone, in this case, the prison guards and their union.
2
In the state of New York, there is NO DIFFERNCE between a "for profit" system and the government.
Nothing is going to happen.
5
It's called lynching. Actually, it's worse than the "ordinary," tree hanging, southern style variety. It's state done lynching . . . right in your own, New York back yard. Awful!
36
This sounds like murder, plain and simple. Hopefully the AG will actually elect to prosecute a case like this rather than let the guards continue to get away with these acts.
34
"Hopefully" counts for about zero. Doing the right thing, less than zero.
So we are supposed to believe the word of inmates over that of correction officers? Who exactly is in prison for being convicted of criminal activity? Yet liberals are falling over each other to defend these very same felons and murderers. Only in America.
8
It's a matter of humanity.
1
Yes we believe the words of many inmates over several lying officer's. Just because you are a corrections officer does not make you a god.
8
You are quite mistaken Paul !
This country lags way behind in prison reform and innovation. Did you not see/read the recent N.Y. Times article on prisons in Germany for example ?
There are, in the USA, not only "liberals" but "conservatives" who are interested in reforming our corrupt, violent prisons run by corrupt and violent personnel.
It is not just morally right and necessary to transform our nation's prisons,it is financially necessary !
Billions are spent on perpetuating violence, misanthropy, and recitivism, which envelopes a wider and wider circle of society. Most of that money, TAX PAYER MONEY, could be used to rehabilitate many offenders and prevent even more from entering into the criminal "justice" system.
This country lags way behind in prison reform and innovation. Did you not see/read the recent N.Y. Times article on prisons in Germany for example ?
There are, in the USA, not only "liberals" but "conservatives" who are interested in reforming our corrupt, violent prisons run by corrupt and violent personnel.
It is not just morally right and necessary to transform our nation's prisons,it is financially necessary !
Billions are spent on perpetuating violence, misanthropy, and recitivism, which envelopes a wider and wider circle of society. Most of that money, TAX PAYER MONEY, could be used to rehabilitate many offenders and prevent even more from entering into the criminal "justice" system.
First, The New York Times' series on prison abuses in New York State is a great public service, and excellent journalism that is Pulitzer-worthy.
Mr. Harrell was in prison for doing drugs, a self-destructive crime, whose criminalization taxes our resources beyond any benefit to society, and has become more a jobs program for rural whites and for profit prison corporations as a means of protecting society. Meanwhile corrections officers in New York State have yet again been revealed to be racist murders who are free to move through our communities. These are dangerous men, whose presence in our cities and towns make us less safe, and yet nothing more than a uniform shields their heinous crimes.
It is impossible to have any faith in the criminal justice system or our elected officials who can tolerate murder in our prisons. First, the U.S. Department of Justice in coordination with local U.S. Attorneys must take the lead in bringing these officers, and those who protect them, to account, and that must start by forcing state prison offices to turn over all information related to such incidents. Clearly, state officials are using their power to avoid public scrutiny, for their own benefit, as well as the benefit of the law enforcement unions who pressure them. Second, the unions that protect these officers must be ended.
And yet again, one must ask where is Governor Cuomo? The lack of leadership from our state's chief executive is stunning.
Mr. Harrell was in prison for doing drugs, a self-destructive crime, whose criminalization taxes our resources beyond any benefit to society, and has become more a jobs program for rural whites and for profit prison corporations as a means of protecting society. Meanwhile corrections officers in New York State have yet again been revealed to be racist murders who are free to move through our communities. These are dangerous men, whose presence in our cities and towns make us less safe, and yet nothing more than a uniform shields their heinous crimes.
It is impossible to have any faith in the criminal justice system or our elected officials who can tolerate murder in our prisons. First, the U.S. Department of Justice in coordination with local U.S. Attorneys must take the lead in bringing these officers, and those who protect them, to account, and that must start by forcing state prison offices to turn over all information related to such incidents. Clearly, state officials are using their power to avoid public scrutiny, for their own benefit, as well as the benefit of the law enforcement unions who pressure them. Second, the unions that protect these officers must be ended.
And yet again, one must ask where is Governor Cuomo? The lack of leadership from our state's chief executive is stunning.
193
He was a prisoner. Many people, including our esteemed Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas, believe that prisoners have no rights. They've committed crimes, are in prison, and deserve to be treated badly, even beaten to death because it's not cruel and unusual punishment. Killing an inmate or incarcerating someone for the rest of their lives is so much easier than releasing them, rehabilitating them, or treating them as human beings. Considering the inhumane conditions some of these prisoners come from it's a wonder that any of them emerge as human beings after spending time in prison. Then again, in America, the sole reason to imprison someone is not to rehabilitate them, it's to make sure that they pay and pay for their crime so if they are beaten to death, or maimed in prison, it's their own fault. Just ask our lawmakers.
13
Just the cost of "doing business" in our for-profit prison system. Here is some information about companies that are making money, n the abuse and misfortune of others, for their stockholders. Despicable is not a good enough word to describe it.
http://www.vice.com/read/whos-getting-rich-off-the-prison-industrial-com...
http://www.vice.com/read/whos-getting-rich-off-the-prison-industrial-com...
10
I would not believe the accounts reported in this article of any inmates. They have one motivation, and that is to make it as difficult as possible for the corrections officers to maintain control in the facilities.
Corrections officers have the most difficult job in law enforcement; surrounded by convicted felons, most without any self restraint, other than the restraint caused by the fear of pain or deprivation. New York State should bring back secure asylums for the criminally insane, to address the issues of a generation of inmates whose mental faculties have been damaged by drug abuse.
Corrections officers have the most difficult job in law enforcement; surrounded by convicted felons, most without any self restraint, other than the restraint caused by the fear of pain or deprivation. New York State should bring back secure asylums for the criminally insane, to address the issues of a generation of inmates whose mental faculties have been damaged by drug abuse.
12
Would you believe the autopsy report that concluded that he had no illicit drugs in his system at the time of death- no overdose, no smoking K2, nothing- does that change your mind- of course not.
1
And what about the autopsy? Or the fact that a man is dead? What is motivating the medical examiner? what about the sargeant's history of lawsuits for abusive behavior?
No, let's just ignore all of that because all inmates are liars and all correctional officers are selfless heroes. Isn't America great??? Living the dream.
No, let's just ignore all of that because all inmates are liars and all correctional officers are selfless heroes. Isn't America great??? Living the dream.
1
You should worry about the inmate deaths in Alberta. Maybe the provincial prison system will volunteer to take some American inmates after the deaths at Drumheller Prison are solved.
http://www.calgarysun.com/2015/01/28/wednesdays-death-of-an-inmate-in-hi...
http://www.calgarysun.com/2015/01/28/wednesdays-death-of-an-inmate-in-hi...
1
My mother has been a corrections officer at Downstate Correctional Facility (just across from Fishkill Correctional Facility) for the last 28 years. She has always maintained that 70-80 percent of the inmates she encounters need treatment and medication, not incarceration.
Once again, my mother is right.
Once again, my mother is right.
124
Guards should never, ever be violent. Anyone who thinks otherwise, is deluded. Including Andrew Cuomo. How can any administrators let guards be violent? It's incredibly awful and should be simply illegal. Why is it not? Excuses.
24
My American dream is coming undone in a multitude of ways over the years. I don't want to live here anymore. I am glad I am working on applying for immigration elsewhere.
9
Great.
I heard about this from a third party who heard about it from a corrections officer who was part of the group that killed Mr. Harrell. It was portrayed as a drug overdose, and the correction officers were made to look like heroes. I suspected there was a lot that was not being told and I am glad the facts finally came out. I am bi-polar myself and my heart goes out to Mr. Harrell. He never had a chance. He didn't even fight back which was the opposite of what I had heard.
This country has a long road ahead of it with regard to how they excessively lock up people instead of treating them for mental illness or substance abuse and how they treat men and women as animals, particularly people of color, at all stages of the criminal justice system.
This country has a long road ahead of it with regard to how they excessively lock up people instead of treating them for mental illness or substance abuse and how they treat men and women as animals, particularly people of color, at all stages of the criminal justice system.
17
Maybe direct some of the mental health services so many have mentioned toward the guards and prison staff. A well balanced person does not act in this manner and right-thinking administration does not justify such action.
5
I have no doubt that Mr. Harrell was killed as the other inmates say he was. I am a lawyer who has handled as assigned counsel (for free) federal cases filed by prisoners in the New York state prison system regarding abuse by guards. In many cases there are cameras but the guards know where they are and it is surprising how many 250 to 300 pound guards always seem to be available to stand with their backs blocking the video, giving a new meaning to the "blue wall". Regardless, the prisoners emerge from these encounters bloodied and often with broken bones. In one case the guards (who in this particular prison were mandated to film transports of prisoners to see the medics) made a man walk the whole way with a clearly deformed and broken leg. The state has chosen to settle all of the cases I've been involved with, and they rarely go to trial in any case, but it's about time a bright light was shed on these atrocities.
179
Stop taking settlements, no matter how big the offer. Take them to court. That's the only way to bring them into the light.
In the eyes of the sadists masquerading as corrections and law enforcement officers, "resisting" is defined as "continuing to breathe".
This is just awful. My husband tells me I should stop reading this stuff, but I just can't help it. I'm in my late fifties, and this increasingly totalitarian state is not the America I want to die in.
Mr. Harrell needed help. He needed care. Most of us would be upset and outraged if an animal were subjected to so much violence. How can men hired by the citizens of this country to do a job be allowed to treat their fellow human beings this way?
This is just awful. My husband tells me I should stop reading this stuff, but I just can't help it. I'm in my late fifties, and this increasingly totalitarian state is not the America I want to die in.
Mr. Harrell needed help. He needed care. Most of us would be upset and outraged if an animal were subjected to so much violence. How can men hired by the citizens of this country to do a job be allowed to treat their fellow human beings this way?
117
Maybe you should be a prison guard for awhile and then let's see what you have to say.
You're right. Those darned degenerate drug users should be lined up against the back wall and shot. Does that work for you?
If it's too much, too tough, the inmates are wild and scary, take another job! No one is making you be a prison guard.
1
Facilities like this are not "correctional institutions" in any sense that we formerly used that term. They are breeding grounds for violent sadism. And I'm not talking about the inmates. History will reflect on our long refusal to correct this problem as a step in America's decline.
75
I agree with some of the comments regarding 'power trips'. Some one in prison is being punished for a crime they committed outside those 40 foot walls but that doesn't mean they should be subjected to physical violence from the correctional officers. The COs have tremendous power over an inmate and exercise that power just by denying basic items such as being able to buy items from commissary. When an inmate gets a 'ticket' for an violation of a facility rule, they go before a hearing which is nothing more than a 'kangaroo court' They are guilty no matter what the circumstances. As far as treatment for those with mental health issues - there are some dedicated staff who are mental health professionals but they work for the Department of OMH and their recommendations can be over ridden by NYDOCS.
'
'
8
As a society we have gone power-mad. The abuses I've been reading about in this last decade disgust me. Thank you, Times, for speaking truth to power.
18
While everyone is focused on how bad the top 1% are, I don't think you grasp how bad the bottom 1% really are. You don't want to know.
1
If you think it's bad in prisons now, wait until our Governor and his minions in the legislature, have sold the prisons to for-profit entities!
15
Well, wait until liberals release all of these poor men. You'll really see how bad it can get.
Just as we all need to be careful not to provoke the police, we need to teach our children that when they go to prison or jail that they need to be sure that they don't provoke our nation's jailers. Order is one of our nation's basic rights and must be protected. Freedom!!!
2
There is mental illness involved here, they were not provoked. Guards should never be violent, ever, they should be fired immediately. What's with the union, anyway?
6
Our nations jailers? Sadists and preverts .
1
An excellent, important, and extremely disturbing piece that reminds us, once again, that the problems of police brutality and law enforcement aggression toward nonwhite Americans are not confined to traffic stops and encounters on the street. Why are there are only "a few" cameras in this prison? Why, in fact, are there so few cameras in all of New York's prisons, including Clinton? Also, where is the much needed investigation of the DOCCS Training Academy, where future officers and administrators go for training before assignment to a prison? How exactly are these candidates being vetted? What is the process? What are the criteria? What involvement does the Correctional Association have in this stage of the process? Finally, why aren't the leaders of DOCCS nonpartisan, disinterested technocrats? Why are these positions subject to partisan political appointment? Please, please do some investigative work on these questions so we might avoid future brutality at Attica, Clinton, Fishkill, and other correctional facilities.
13
For these guards to do this so flagrantly suggests that they have NO fear of being caught or penalized, forget being prosecuted, for any actions - which suggests this ISan embedded culture. The governing appointees in top positions have to be replaced; there has to be a full investigation, and it cannot come from within.
The apologizers will argue that the inmates are really bad guys-- but this man was mentally ill and had no record of violence. And no matter what the inmate is there for, the state is not allowed to administer additional punishments or torture at will.
I wonder if this tendency has become worse since 9/11, especially since the revelation that the US used torture - and sent prisoners to other countries that used torture ("rendition") as a matter of course. Or if it has been a continuing problem
The apologizers will argue that the inmates are really bad guys-- but this man was mentally ill and had no record of violence. And no matter what the inmate is there for, the state is not allowed to administer additional punishments or torture at will.
I wonder if this tendency has become worse since 9/11, especially since the revelation that the US used torture - and sent prisoners to other countries that used torture ("rendition") as a matter of course. Or if it has been a continuing problem
189
These problems are not new. Remember the Attica riots?
But certainly, our highly pro-torture, pro-militarization culture doesn't help matters.
But certainly, our highly pro-torture, pro-militarization culture doesn't help matters.
Since local and state law enforcement elements started getting excess defense articles from the federal government, they have been acting like they are at war with the general population, incarcerated or not.
Remember Ron Settles? Blacks see unending police surveillance of their neighborhoods as modern-day slave patrols. Considering their past -- treated like beasts, families split apart, terrorized, disempowered, disenfranchised -- we can expect, with Blacks having barely a toe in the door to equality, to see the manifestation, as we have, of certain self-destructive behavioral characteristics in the urban ghettos they've been corralled into. The thinking is "keep them away from me and my family" rather than "let's do something to help."
It's beyond irritating to keep reading "look at the Black crime rate" in comments on stories like this one, as if that is suggestive of Black proneness to violence. It's a consequence of their history, of OUR history. Equally irritating is the ubiquity of either whitewashing particular encounters in order to push a preferred narrative, or of doing the reverse and saying that this police savagery is justified because Blacks commit a high percentage of crimes.
We should speak honestly. Every time something like this happens, the guy's past criminal record is brought up, he's called a "thug," no indictment is brought -- wash, rinse, repeat. The problem is bigger than any one episode. Harrell is but one among tens of thousands to experience in-prison police brutality. BLM was angry at Sanders for taking a color-blind approach to policy. Whatever you feel about that, Blacks have a special history, which demands special attention.
It's beyond irritating to keep reading "look at the Black crime rate" in comments on stories like this one, as if that is suggestive of Black proneness to violence. It's a consequence of their history, of OUR history. Equally irritating is the ubiquity of either whitewashing particular encounters in order to push a preferred narrative, or of doing the reverse and saying that this police savagery is justified because Blacks commit a high percentage of crimes.
We should speak honestly. Every time something like this happens, the guy's past criminal record is brought up, he's called a "thug," no indictment is brought -- wash, rinse, repeat. The problem is bigger than any one episode. Harrell is but one among tens of thousands to experience in-prison police brutality. BLM was angry at Sanders for taking a color-blind approach to policy. Whatever you feel about that, Blacks have a special history, which demands special attention.
15
I would like to know more about Mr. Harrell's "drug sentence" which is cited as such in the first paragraph. Exactly what was he in for? Was it something that even should be illegal? Had he ever been convicted of a violent crime?
It seems like we need to cull our prison staff quite a bit. The only way that I see to do so is to cull our prison population considerably. It takes some political courage to change our laws, our parole system and our mental health system (or lack thereof) to do what is evidently sensible. I would like to see that effort get started.
It seems like we need to cull our prison staff quite a bit. The only way that I see to do so is to cull our prison population considerably. It takes some political courage to change our laws, our parole system and our mental health system (or lack thereof) to do what is evidently sensible. I would like to see that effort get started.
27
If, as Dostoevsky suggested, you can judge a society by how it treats its prisoners, then Andrew Cuomo's New York is sorely lacking.
36
Ironically, under Andrew Cuomo, NY has many similarities with Mussolini's fascist/corporate security state!
4
Disgusting story, and one of all too many. The union for the correctional officers will make numerous attempts to deny this kind of behavior exists and, when the denials are untenable, try in every way to minimize and justify the behavior. Of course the correctional officer union makes political campaign contributions so it will never be disregarded by the politicians who supposedly oversee the criminal justice system in New York, or in any other state. Again, I say, a disgusting story and everyone in Albany is directly responsible for it from Cuomo on down. Of course they're all so busy fighting corruption allegations it's hard to say when things will meaningfully change. What a grotesque system.
27
Ah, yes let's bash the unions!
Those in charge who set the tone of the prison, are NOT members of the union!
Those in charge who set the tone of the prison, are NOT members of the union!
3
Unfortunately, it is the Union's duty, under the law, to represent their members fully, that's their job, again, under the law.
For every such story that actually makes it into the news, one wonders how many others do not.
This is state-sponsored sadism.
This is state-sponsored sadism.
106
...and state-sponsored terror.
1
Thousands.
1
The Times is doing a tremendous service. Keep these stories coming, every day, until we can no longer ignore these crimes. We the people elected those under whose authority these acts are committed. They are acting for us, and we, the people, are ultimately responsible.
56
"One case was settled by the state in 2012 for $60,000 and another in 2011 for $65,000."
If this man has already been sued multiple times (and at least two were legitimate enough that the state paid out), why on EARTH was he still working there? Why has there been no punishment for lying, and saying the man had done drugs, when the tests confirmed he had not?
This is a disgrace.
If this man has already been sued multiple times (and at least two were legitimate enough that the state paid out), why on EARTH was he still working there? Why has there been no punishment for lying, and saying the man had done drugs, when the tests confirmed he had not?
This is a disgrace.
147
Because firing him for cause would be an admission of guilt that would open state officials up to liability in civil proceedings that would cost enough money to spark reform. We wouldn't want that. What I find interesting here is that the police and correctional officers unions response to these issues is always that it is the word of "violent convicted felons" against that of the officers charged with their care. Yet studies show that there is no correlation between having been convicted of most felonies, including murder, and being more likely to be dishonest than the general, non incarcerated population.
1
Why oh why is it necessary to pummel this individual with brutal force? Surely removing this man to a safe environment where he can cool down or be reasoned with later would be a win win situation for all concerned.
27
The inmates safety wasn't the issue, these officers were bored and needed to entertain themselves. The violent culture of the USA is sick inside and out.
10
Sadly Ericka, you are probably correct.
2
What a sad, pathetic country America has become.
37
The saddest part of this article is that there's nothing new here. It seems that many of our prisons are set up so that prisoners have little protection from the beastly inclinations of those employed to guard them and the prison. Something's wrong with the system! Surely this scene has been repeated thousands of times across the land - especially with regard to prisoners with mental health issues. It's really quite disgusting to read about. The problem is in the system - incarcerating people with mental health problems and putting "Grunts" in positions of power over them - and then the Grunts do what Grunts like to do - lord it over helpless people and bash away. The problem is in the system and in a society that looks the other way - or justifies such outrageous behavior as being just fine. We are completely dependent upon the press to dig out these incidents when the outrage is big enough - but really, there should be better, more consistent oversight on a regular basis. It's really quite a disgusting situation. I'm truly disgusted and kind of depressed reading this.
177
Absolutely.
Philip Zimbardo's Stanford Prison experiment demonstrated this same phenomenon some 40-odd years ago--yet nothing changes. Science is useless if we don't act on the information.
"No officers have been disciplined" -- They should be charged with the crime of assault and second degree murder under cover of authority.
Mentally ill incarcerated people should be housed separately with guards who understand the mental illness and know how best to deal with it clinically instead of by men with little cognitive function and huge egos treating prisoners as if any act is a personal affront to their delicate manhood.
Philip Zimbardo's Stanford Prison experiment demonstrated this same phenomenon some 40-odd years ago--yet nothing changes. Science is useless if we don't act on the information.
"No officers have been disciplined" -- They should be charged with the crime of assault and second degree murder under cover of authority.
Mentally ill incarcerated people should be housed separately with guards who understand the mental illness and know how best to deal with it clinically instead of by men with little cognitive function and huge egos treating prisoners as if any act is a personal affront to their delicate manhood.
This is how Saddam Hussein controlled Iraq. Perhaps we need our own "war on terror" right here. All those Humvees should be targeting cops and prison guards.
20
America, look into the mirror and feel shame.
13
So many different prisons, police departments and towns, but seemingly always the same conclusion: WATCH OUT if you are black, especially if you're poor or mentally ill or have been jailed for being unable to pay unfair traffic tickets, because the "authorities" apply different "rules" to you.
We all live in this country. What is amazing is the enormity of brutality, outright murder by police and prison guards, and injustice inflicted on American blacks that exists in today's America.
The media attention of the past several months is welcome and necessary. But where has it been for the past decades? Nothing about these stories is new other than the names of the most recent victims.
One wonders what other carnage exists in our nation, largely ignored by media and known primarily to its victims. Many reporters and organizations are likely to win awards for their recent coverage of violence against blacks. One wishes however that there existed a type of "clawback" mechanism akin to those purportedly being rolled out in the financial world, such that reporters and organizations who have failed for too long to provide "complete" coverage of the havoc visited by the authorities on Americ's blacks, could not simply glory in today's steps while ignoring decades of inattention.
We all live in this country. What is amazing is the enormity of brutality, outright murder by police and prison guards, and injustice inflicted on American blacks that exists in today's America.
The media attention of the past several months is welcome and necessary. But where has it been for the past decades? Nothing about these stories is new other than the names of the most recent victims.
One wonders what other carnage exists in our nation, largely ignored by media and known primarily to its victims. Many reporters and organizations are likely to win awards for their recent coverage of violence against blacks. One wishes however that there existed a type of "clawback" mechanism akin to those purportedly being rolled out in the financial world, such that reporters and organizations who have failed for too long to provide "complete" coverage of the havoc visited by the authorities on Americ's blacks, could not simply glory in today's steps while ignoring decades of inattention.
12
Whoever killed this non-violent mentally ill man should be convicted and given a longer sentence than the victim, who should have never been in that prison at all.
74
he was very violent, he had sliced another prisoners face 8 months before this attack.
John - Are you saying that an extrajudicial death penalty is the correct punishment for assault?
2
Between this and the post-escape revenge beatings at the prison in Dannemora, it sounds like the NY prison bureau has an employee problem. Wonder if Andrew Cuomo, who was playing "tough guy" after the escape, is up to implementing serious reforms.
85
RECFIVERSON. Not likely. Cuomo did not stand up to the prison bureaucracy in DANNEMORA, and actually took their side when Patrick Alexander and other inmates complained. By openly siding with the guards in front of the inmates, Cuomo gave them "carte blanche" for further bullying and mistreatment of detainees. In fact, Cuomo could care less about prison reform, just as he is indifferent about implementing reforms to eliminate government corruption. Cuomo likes the high life too much.and is a fixture at some of the fanciest gin mills and restaurants in the Hamptons. Can anyone think of a more cockamamie excuse for a government official than he?One small step for prison reform would be to raise the bar for employment, require that prison guards have at least a B.A. in order to be hired. Those presently employed at Clinton and Dannemora appear to be the worst of the worst, with barely a g.e.d. in their vitae. Stiffen the educational requirements in order to recruit candidates who can deal intelligently and humanely with inmates, and weed out the sadists and the racists who mistreat the defenseless with impunity. But don't depend on our high living governor for results. Cuomo likes the position of governor, but not the responsibilities that go along with the job.
19
So like, how should the Correction facility guards have addressed Mr. Harrell's behavior? Appealed to his Reason? Secured the services of a psychiatrist and offered Harrell, a recidivist, the option of thorazine or talk-therapy on the couch? Lastly, homicide is legal term, not medical, dating back to the 14th century.
6
So you see zero difference between physical restraint and lethal force.
Interesting.
Interesting.
33
So - you're saying the officers, by beating a mentally ill man to death, did the right thing? Is this really the kind of country we want to live in?
34
You're right. Their only option was to handcuff him, beat him, stomp him, and throw him down the stairs. Only way to deal with these animals, eh Stoya?
13
The Correctional Association of New York is probably alot like a similar group set up to monitor nursing homes. Totally without teeth. These organizations are a joke and simply exist so that a toothless state bureaucracy can add more layers of uselessness to our governing body.
7
The worst things about this story are that this isn't surprising, and nothing will be done about it. There's no money to be made in being humane.
106
Haven't we heard enough about these sadists? Isn't it time to throw the whole messy lot of them in prison? The only shame would be that they probably would not get the same sadistic treatment at the hands of their guards because they are white, but the solution would be to imprison them amid the black prison population and let them fend for themselves.
58
Guards should be required to wear body cameras. There should be independent civilian oversight boards evaluating complaints.
How many prisons and how many years until we realize officer brutality is a ever present situation?
How many prisons and how many years until we realize officer brutality is a ever present situation?
131
Business as usual in the New York State prison system. Who in the New York State government cares?
51
If this happened to an American citizen in a foreign jail of a government we did not like, or at the hands of a group like ISIS, there would be calls for military action and economic sanctions. But here at home its just a normal day.
291
prison is a brutal place, no one wants to know anything that is happenning in the four walls
Many times I have commented to the NYT about the actions of the states to close state hospitals. Both liberal and conservatives demanded that state budgets be cut by every means possible include the closing of state hospitals. Those endorsing this asserted, wrongly, that the private sector was better prepared, and in fact was a better place for those with mental illness, severely physical and mental handicaps. Thus began a headlong rush to close state facilities.
The states and the promoters of these closings asserted that many mentally ill also needed an opportunity to live in communities where they could be free citizens, not incarcerated within a state hospital system that restricted their rights. Mentally ill persons they said, could have much improved lives outside hospital rather than institutional living.
The problem is that nothing like that ever happened. Mentally ill persons were dumped into the streets or homes ill prepared. Funds to those home and those released were cut. Worse, the courts and the judicial system were totally unprepared to deal with mental illness. People who should have received treatment in state hospitals were incarcerated within the prison system. A disengaged and heartless system that could not offer counseling, medication or even the rudiments of care for people with delusions, depression, erratic behavior that was not criminal, drug abuse, suicide, schizophrenia, and other mental and emotional disorders.
The states created tragedies.
The states and the promoters of these closings asserted that many mentally ill also needed an opportunity to live in communities where they could be free citizens, not incarcerated within a state hospital system that restricted their rights. Mentally ill persons they said, could have much improved lives outside hospital rather than institutional living.
The problem is that nothing like that ever happened. Mentally ill persons were dumped into the streets or homes ill prepared. Funds to those home and those released were cut. Worse, the courts and the judicial system were totally unprepared to deal with mental illness. People who should have received treatment in state hospitals were incarcerated within the prison system. A disengaged and heartless system that could not offer counseling, medication or even the rudiments of care for people with delusions, depression, erratic behavior that was not criminal, drug abuse, suicide, schizophrenia, and other mental and emotional disorders.
The states created tragedies.
109
This comment is right on point. NY state has a long history of playing bate and switch. Community mental health treatment makes perfect sense, but as the comment points out it was enacted, but never funded.
It's no surprise that persons with mental disorders then resort to self medication in the form of drugs or alcohol. This then leads to arrests and incarceration, where once again mental health services are shockingly deficient.
While this article focuses on the tragic death of Mr. Harrell there are countless men and women like him all over the state. They need basic mental health services. Society needs them to get those services. Law enforcements would like to see those changes. They don't want to confront persons whose behavior is triggered by mental illness, not criminal intent. Yet our politicians instead give is a war on drugs and mass incarceration.
We are witnessing a slow but steady deterioration of basic municipal services that we have every right to expect government to provide. Instead we get stump speeches about "big government" and the need to lower taxes while spending more on the military. We have the money to provide the services that the Samuel Harrell's need but our political leadership is simply spending it in the wrong places and for the wrong reasons.
It's no surprise that persons with mental disorders then resort to self medication in the form of drugs or alcohol. This then leads to arrests and incarceration, where once again mental health services are shockingly deficient.
While this article focuses on the tragic death of Mr. Harrell there are countless men and women like him all over the state. They need basic mental health services. Society needs them to get those services. Law enforcements would like to see those changes. They don't want to confront persons whose behavior is triggered by mental illness, not criminal intent. Yet our politicians instead give is a war on drugs and mass incarceration.
We are witnessing a slow but steady deterioration of basic municipal services that we have every right to expect government to provide. Instead we get stump speeches about "big government" and the need to lower taxes while spending more on the military. We have the money to provide the services that the Samuel Harrell's need but our political leadership is simply spending it in the wrong places and for the wrong reasons.
21
Sam Harrell was poor, black, had a mental illness and was self-medicating with illegal drugs. So we labeled him a felon and locked him in a maximum security prison, without medications.
Then his mom died, and he became despondent and decompensated (I.e., had a severe episode of depression and became delusional).
So we kicked him to death, and then thew him down a flight of stairs.
Nice job, America. Why are African-Americans angry? Beats me.
Then his mom died, and he became despondent and decompensated (I.e., had a severe episode of depression and became delusional).
So we kicked him to death, and then thew him down a flight of stairs.
Nice job, America. Why are African-Americans angry? Beats me.
405
I strongly agree with you and so do many others. The problem that you noted I have written about many, many times but, to no avail. The state legislatures are the primary cause of these travesties. Most are Republican led. They believe that those who are mentally ill should also be self-sufficient and that the families and communities where the mentally ill come from must be responsible. The states totally abdicated themselves of any responsibility for mentally ill and handicapped persons. The courts, the judicial system, out-dated laws, judges and prosecutors are also responsible. Republicans have insisted that the mentally ill be taken care of through the private sector and Democrats insisted that the mentally ill needed freedom and social access. Both are wrong. Terribly wrong. In this case dead wrong.
This is what happens when Republican demagoguery and demand for self-sufficiency is forced upon people who can't take care of themselves. This is what happens when Republicans demand that state budgets be slashed without regard for the welfare of people and communities. This is what happens when liberals and progressives assert that everything can be cured by freedom and more rights. Sometimes peoples lives have to be controlled and restricted for the protection of those people and the community. And this is what happens when Republicans insist that churches and private organizations can do a better job of caring for mentally ill and handicapped persons.
This is what happens when Republican demagoguery and demand for self-sufficiency is forced upon people who can't take care of themselves. This is what happens when Republicans demand that state budgets be slashed without regard for the welfare of people and communities. This is what happens when liberals and progressives assert that everything can be cured by freedom and more rights. Sometimes peoples lives have to be controlled and restricted for the protection of those people and the community. And this is what happens when Republicans insist that churches and private organizations can do a better job of caring for mentally ill and handicapped persons.
18
You are mistaken in your belief that republicans think the mentally ill should be self-sufficient. I've never seen a republican advocating that. (I'm not a republican, so I may have missed it somewhere). However, it will be very difficult to go back to the days of involuntary commitment since the ACLU has very often gone to bat for people to not take their meds and to live on the streets if they want. The whole movement to close the hospitals was left-wing and very badly done. I've read about it and there are many good books about the movement out there. It was not a republican idea.
4
You were not in PA in the 70s, 80s and 90s and early 2000s. It most certainly was Republicans. The Ridge Administration was a primary dismantler of the state hospital system. I know. I worked as a civil service employee under the Governor's Office of Administration. The left wing proposed moving the patients to private sector care takers. The Republicans defunded everything after supporting the move. In Harrisburg and other cities the Republicans couldn't wait to sell off state hospital grounds. So now PA has more people in prisons than ever before. Too many of them should never have been there. Mr. Corbett, a one term Republican governor and former State Attorney General was also responsible for prosecuting people who needed medical care not imprisonment. The Republicans are more than equally responsible. They are primarily responsible. And proud of it too. They believe they did something good.
11
Thanks for continuing to report on the complete breakdown of civilization in the police-prosecutor-judicial-prison-industrial complex, New York Times.
America's original sin was slavery.
America's original sin continues today in a slightly different form with widespread and systematic economic, legal, police, judicial and prison violence against the country's weakest, poorest, disproportionately black and most disadvantaged citizens.
What a shining city on a hill.
America's original sin was slavery.
America's original sin continues today in a slightly different form with widespread and systematic economic, legal, police, judicial and prison violence against the country's weakest, poorest, disproportionately black and most disadvantaged citizens.
What a shining city on a hill.
313
Not to put too fine a point on it the first were the indigenous people who up to today have still not been the beneficiary of our magnificence.
2
Governor Cuomo should be mortified that such depraved cruelty is occurring under his leadership. His lack of leadership regarding the torture that goes on in prisons in his state is shameful.
224
cuomo doesn't care about anything but money.
2
why don't you volunteer in prison for few months instead of blaming others
His words and actions encourage depravity.
We can thank The Times for publishing some facts about the brutality of our prisons, but it should not nave been necessary. These facts were easily available to anyone who wanted to know them. For the NYS prisons the buck stops with the Governor and for Riker's Island with the Mayor. If the citizens don't force them to live up to their responsibilities then morally it is because of them.
85
di Blasio is at the gym or handing out sinecures and Cuomo is grooming his reputation for the next political opportunity, post-Clinton. Great political figures are rare in American history, and our tv screens blare the theatrics of tycoons, but these two need to do more than pose for cameras. The public gets the leadership we deserve and the poorest get the gutter.
4
Mr Easton, I think you are missing something. The details are important, if you are really interested in improving the system. Or else any new case of brutality will only serve as an excuse for exchanging some political figures.
2
It's not a fight if he was handcuffed. Your headline should read "Inmate beaten to death by guards".
311
the mental health system in this country has abandoned the people with mental illness for whom the system is responsible. the mentally ill have been abandoned to the police, the jails, and homeless shelters whose staff is not educated mental health professionals. the system needs reform - administrators get paid to do a job they are not doing. police forces are hungering for and willing to work with mental health professionals. where are they?
36
The mental health system in this country is overtaxed, underfunded and under populated. Perhaps many critics could join their ranks and become part of the solution instead of standing by the wayside. You can't force people to become mental healthcare professionals and work with desperate people. But it's easy to stand on the sidelines and comment on a system that has been broken for years. Get out there and petition, demonstrate and try to come up with some solutions rather than take the easy way out and just point fingers.
8
Concerned,
What you say is true. We are alot of armchair mouthies who don't want to do anything but take the easiest path through each day. Democracy cannot survive with such a population, and in this Trump era, it's showing. We get buffoons running for President.
What you say is true. We are alot of armchair mouthies who don't want to do anything but take the easiest path through each day. Democracy cannot survive with such a population, and in this Trump era, it's showing. We get buffoons running for President.
8
Hm, a choice between a buffoon or a criminal. Not much of a choice at all.
1
“Anyone found to have engaged in any misconduct or in any legal violations will be disciplined and prosecuted,” the department said in a statement.
Here's a saying that encapsulates this problem: A fish rots from head down. Does anyone think these guards act without the full knowledge and support of their managers and bosses? Anyone? Raise your hand if you do.
Here's a saying that encapsulates this problem: A fish rots from head down. Does anyone think these guards act without the full knowledge and support of their managers and bosses? Anyone? Raise your hand if you do.
187
Its easy to say all this, prison is dangerous place to work, why don't you take a prison guard job and you may change your opinion??
Why on Earth don't we have continuous video surveillance of every corner of every prison? This seems like a no-brainer.
221
...only from the prisoner's point of view.
4
You can surely understand why the guards would not want continuous video surveillance of every part of the prison. They would have to use cramped bathroom stalls to beat the stuffing out of prisoners and that would be a grave inconvenience for those guards!
13
Yeah, video surveillance used to be expensive, but its cost has come down to where it is extremely affordable. Rogue cops. Who could have ever imagined that?
4
The U.S. bought into this system of more law and order during the Nixon administration. What happened to people was that jobs began to disappear in the 1970s and the lock them up and throw away the key "philosophy" of the prison gulag system took hold. Many people with mental illnesses were caught up in this dysfunctional system.
39
Fishkill (and Clinton) are STATE prisons. Nixon had nothing to do with them. In any event, that was years ago. We have had Democratic governors for years.
6
@ Juanita K.
1. We have also for almost all of that time had a Republican controlled State Senate that has thwarted decent government.
2. Nixon "proved" to the political world that being "tough on crime" paid off in votes. His ruthlessness poisoned many governmental wells.
1. We have also for almost all of that time had a Republican controlled State Senate that has thwarted decent government.
2. Nixon "proved" to the political world that being "tough on crime" paid off in votes. His ruthlessness poisoned many governmental wells.
15