The New York State Governor Kathy Hochul issued instructions to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to place 15 of their staff members on leave. This decision was made in relation to the demise of a prisoner at the Mid-State Correctional Facility.
According to sources from the State Police, a young man named Messiah Nantwi, 22, was confirmed dead at Wynn Hospital, located in Utica. The circumstances of his death have yet to be fully revealed and are currently under investigation.
Gov. Hochul has expressed deep discomfort concerning the early information that has emerged about this incident. ‘The initial reports concerning Mr. Nantwi’s tragic passing signal extremely troubling behavior. I am committed to holding all those implicated accountable,’ Hochul remarked in a statement.
Gov. Hochul also expressed gratitude to Commissioner Martuscello and the DOCCS leadership for their prompt response to this dreadful incident. However, she sees this incident as a stark reminder of the structural changes required within the correctional system.
Referencing the policies she put in place following the untimely death of Robert Brooks, Gov. Hochul mentioned that several measures, such as the compulsory use of body cameras, the expansion of whistleblower hotlines, and inviting external experts for a comprehensive review of the system’s culture, are steps in the right direction.
Gov. Hochul emphasized that ensuring the safety and well-being of all who are part of the correctional system in New York is her primary concern at this time. She views this incident as an opportunity to reaffirm her commitments and to strengthen the operational protocols of the facilities.
On the issue of an ongoing illegal work stoppage, she deemed it as posing a serious safety risk. She reiterated her call to Correction Officers to resume their duties, stressing the importance of their presence in ensuring safety.
She further added that her administration remains devoted to collaborating with the Correction Officers. They aim to enhance the safety and working conditions in the correctional system, while stressing the necessity for responsible, law-abiding behavior from everyone.
In the concluding part of her statement, she insisted on an uncompromising stance on the need for every individual who enters a DOCCS facility to uphold responsibility and abide by the laws. She emphasized that this extends to staff as well as inmates.
The Governor’s directive highlights the urgent need for a culture shift within correctional systems. She affirmed her dedication to infusing responsible, law-abiding behavior from all members – be it an officer, staff member, or an inmate.
Gov. Hochul’s firm stand in demanding accountability for all parties involved in this heinous incident demonstrates her commitment to justice. She clearly stresses that all those implicated must be held to account regardless of their position or role within the system.
While the call for systemic changes has been consistently articulated, the unfortunate events surrounding Nantwi’s death amplify the urgency of this demand. Gov. Hochul is seizing this tragic incident as a necessary impetus for reform.
The tragic death of Messiah Nantwi not only brings into light the severity of the concerns within the system but also serves as a reminder of the grave responsibility of individuals vested in the duty of maintaining order in these institutions.
As these events unfold and the investigation progresses, the hope remains that justice will be served and that deep-seated changes will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In closing, the actions by Gov. Kathy Hochul, her administration, and the DOCCS leadership underscore the imperative for systemic reform, responsibility, and a more humane culture within New York’s correctional facilities.