Independent probe results in findings that include low morale and unsafe conditions across New York’s prison system

ALBANY, NY- The findings from an independent report that dived into New York’s prison system and its general culture have finally surfaced.

According to the DOCCS, this study was published on June 29 and several of the findings seem to reflect very similar to that of what some state lawmakers and other figures have been echoing for the last few years.

These findings include a low staff morale, inadequate staff training and record keeping, all while guards, staff and inmates generally feel unsafe to top it off.

Being 300 total pages in length, the study was requested on behalf of the DOCCS after inmates Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi suffered from fatal beatings, while in prison custody, in late 2024 and early 2025.

Specifically, the report claims how both of those incidents exposed various systemic shortcomings, including in accountability, oversight and prison culture.

You can examine the entire report here.

Stay tuned, we plan on following up with more insight from various figures and officials.

NYSDOCCS image.