What Robert Brooks' father wants to change in N.Y.'s prisons after son's death

He disagrees with Hochul on the future of Marcy Correctional Facility, where Brooks died.

Good afternoon — it’s Wednesday and the anniversary of CapCon!

• Today’s CapCon Q: What do you think reporters at the Capitol are missing or not covering enough? This could be anything on your radar. (Reply to this email to respond or email me: Dan.Clark@TimesUnion.com)

In today’s CapCon (7-day free trial here):

• The father of Robert L. Brooks, who died after being beaten by officers at Marcy Correctional Facility, wants changes in New York’s prison system.

• Brooks disagrees with Hochul on the future of the facility and doesn’t think the legislation on the table right now is enough.

• Former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman was there with him.

• On The Bill: Hochul wants more power to fire correction officers after Brooks’ death exposed the current disciplinary process.

• At The Capitol: What’s happening at the Capitol Thursday.

• New Bills of Note: The Daniel Penny bill and the defunct Law Revision Commission.

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Robert Ricks, father of Robert L. Brooks (Will Waldron/Times Union)

🗣️ Marcy Correctional should be closed: Brooks’ father disagrees with Hochul

Hearing the father of Robert L. Brooks describe the pain he felt after learning his son died after being beaten by correction officers on Dec. 9 will break your heart.

“Seeing my son in a body bag and then seeing him beaten to death is sad and it’s painful and it’s hurtful but it’s also enraging,” Robert Ricks said at the Capitol Wednesday, flanked by former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

“My son desired to come home and really do things to impact his life positively and impact the lives of some of the young people in our community,” Ricks said.

Ricks will testify before the Legislature on Thursday about what happened to his son and what he thinks needs to change in the state prison system. The list is not short, nor is it simple.

But among the items that Ricks supports is a request that Gov. Kathy Hochul has already rejected: closing Marcy Correctional Facility.

“I believe the prison should close because it sends a message,” Ricks said. “The message is that your primary source of income in your community can be eliminated if these types of things happen in the prison in your community.”