ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Three Rochester City Council members hosted a meeting to hear testimonies from individuals affected by violence and brutality in New York State prisons.

Council members Stanley Martin, Mary Lupien, and Kim Smith highlighted that Rochester's incarceration rate is more than five times that of New York City. The meeting aimed to gather testimonies from those affected by prison violence to advocate for meaningful prison reform.

"We have to look critically at the oversight plans that we have because prisons have cameras, guards have bodycams, and yet it doesn't stop prison abuses," said Jose Dilenola, a Rochester resident who was formerly incarcerated.

Jose Dilenola, who testified at the meeting, shared his personal experience of abuse during his 26 years in prison a

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