FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2003 WWW.USDOJ.GOV OPA (202) 514-2008 TDD (202) 514-1888 The Inspector General reports that a small number of guards at the Metro Detention Center in Brooklyn mistreated many of the 84 aliens who were detained at that facility after being arrested in connection with the investigation into the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. We agree with the Inspector General that even the intense emotional atmosphere surrounding the attacks, particularly in New York City where smoke was still rising from the rubble of Ground Zero, is no excuse for abhorrent behavior by Bureau of Prisons personnel.
It is unfortunate that the alleged misconduct of a few employees detracts from the fine work done by the correctional personnel at MDC and around the nation, who conducted themselves professionally and appropriately in dealing with the vast majority of the 762 alien detainees.
We do not tolerate misconduct and we have directed the Bureau of Prisons to review the report and the evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of their review. Furthermore, in light of the discovery of the videotapes which provide evidence of the alleged mistreatment highlighted in the Inspector Generals report, as soon as the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General received and reviewed the draft report, they asked the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division to review the report and any information that was not previously available to them to determine whether any prosecutions are appropriate.
We thank the Inspector General and his office for their work and for their recommendations which we hope will ensure better performance in the future. 03-710
Source: US Department of Justice
