The commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Corrections faced a bipartisan grilling on Thursday.

The virtual hearing was the first time Commissioner Marcus Hicks has spoken out since the arrest of eight corrections officers at the Edna Mahan Women’s Prison. Hicks says that his department has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to monitor conditions at the prison.

“I share in your disgust and disappointment for the incidents of Jan. 11. Several women were brutally attacked by employees who proactively chose to disregard established protocols and practices that are necessary for proper cell extractions, de-escalation and searches,” Hicks said. “These employees violated the trust and safety of those in our care and the faith we put in them as public servants. No one deserves the horrific treatment these women endured.”

Republican Assemblywoman Jean Stanfield wants to press ahead with Hicks' impeachment. More than 20 Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature have signed on to impeach the commissioner.