Inside Woodbourne Correctional: Inmate Speaks Out Amid Officer Strike

New York State correctional officers remain on strike, as Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered state troopers and the National Guard to intervene.Meanwhile, inside Woodbourne Correctional Facility, inmate Atiq Weston, serving 15 years for manslaughter and robbery, shared his perspective with Radio Catskill.Weston claims some officers are overly aggressive and violating Correction Law Section 137, which ensures humane treatment, medical care, and limits on solitary confinement. "They've been violating this law for years," Weston said. "Now they want to suspend it to avoid consequences."He also described experiencing physical abuse. "I was beaten while in handcuffs at Upstate Correctional Facility," he stated. "If it weren’t for body cameras, cases like Robert Brooks, who was beaten to death, would go unnoticed."Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old incarcerated man, died in custody at Marcy Correctional Facility after being  beaten by officers while restrained. His case gained attention after surveillance footage contradicted the official reports, leading to indictments against multiple correctional officers.Weston argues that despite concerns raised by correctional officers about safety and staffing, the National Guard’s presence has led to improved conditions. "They're treating us like human beings," he said. "It's dignified, professional, and there’s more respect."However, Weston questions the long-term solution. "The National Guard is trained for counterterrorism, not babysitting prisoners," he remarked. "They need to find a better way to staff these prisons while enforcing the law fairly."