State of New Jersey "Protecting Public Safety by Changing Offender Behavior" |
Acting Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. |
The Department’s virus mitigation tactics, along with its universal testing initiative of staff and inmates, has controlled the spread of COVID-19 within NJDOC facilities. The chart below captures the current COVID cases within the inmate and staff population, following Phase 3 testing. This chart demonstrates the significant drop in active cases from approximately 800 active inmate cases in DOC facilities at the peak of the pandemic. For more information on the Department’s universal testing initiative, visit the site’s newsroom.
Last updated: 5/26/2021 8:00:03 AM
PRISONS AND ANCILLARY LOCATIONS | EMPLOYEES |
INMATES |
INMATE DEATHS |
---|---|---|---|
Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center | 73 | 18 | 0 |
Bayside State Prison | 120 | 477 | 0 |
Central Office Headquarters | 86 | 0 | 0 |
Central Reception and Assignment Facility | 57 | 199 | 0 |
Correctional Staff Training Academy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Custody Recruitment Unit | 0 | 0 | 0 |
East Jersey State Prison | 80 | 28 | 0 |
Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women | 63 | 36 | 0 |
Garden State Youth Correctional Facility | 140 | 154 | 0 |
Mid-State Correctional Facility | 23 | 8 | 0 |
New Jersey State Prison | 148 | 71 | 1 |
Northern State Prison | 108 | 84 | 0 |
South Woods State Prison | 193 | 412 | 0 |
Southern State Correctional Facility | 82 | 132 | 0 |
William H. Fauver Youth Correctional Facility | 82 | 49 | 0 |
Totals | 1255 | 1668 | 1 |
*This chart represents cumulative cases captured under Phase 3 testing.
*NJDOC does not make any representations as to the cause of death for any individual, regardless of COVID-19 positive status. Questions about cause of death should be directed to the county medical examiner.
Last updated: 5/26/2021 8:00:03 AM *RCRP staff are not NJDOC employees.
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY RELEASE PROGRAM | INMATES |
INMATE DEATHS |
---|---|---|
Bo Robinson Assessment and Treatment | 3 | 0 |
Clinton House | 0 | 0 |
CURA, Inc. | 0 | 0 |
Fenwick House | 1 | 0 |
Fletcher House | 0 | 0 |
Garrett House | 0 | 0 |
Hope Hall | 0 | 0 |
James A. Hemm House | 0 | 0 |
Kintock Bridgeton 1 | 0 | 0 |
Kintock Bridgeton 2 | 1 | 0 |
Kintock Newark | 0 | 0 |
The Harbor House | 1 | 0 |
Tully House | 1 | 0 |
Totals | 7 | 0 |
*This chart represents cumulative cases captured under Phase 3 testing.
*NJDOC does not make any representations as to the cause of death for any individual, regardless of COVID-19 positive status. Questions about cause of death should be directed to the county medical examiner.
PRISONS AND ANCILLARY LOCATIONS | EMPLOYEES |
INMATES |
INMATE DEATHS |
---|---|---|---|
Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center | 4 | 8 | 0 |
Bayside State Prison | 4 | 5 | 0 |
Central Office Headquarters | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Central Reception and Assignment Facility | 5 | 7 | 0 |
Correctional Staff Training Academy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Custody Recruitment Unit | 0 | 0 | 0 |
East Jersey State Prison | 3 | 7 | 0 |
Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women | 0 | 6 | 0 |
Garden State Youth Correctional Facility | 8 | 12 | 0 |
Mid-State Correctional Facility | 2 | 4 | 0 |
New Jersey State Prison | 3 | 9 | 0 |
Northern State Prison | 11 | 16 | 0 |
South Woods State Prison | 13 | 23 | 0 |
Southern State Correctional Facility | 5 | 9 | 0 |
William H. Fauver Youth Correctional Facility | 6 | 2 | 0 |
Totals | 67 | 108 | 0 |
*This chart represents cumulative cases captured under Phase 2 testing.
*NJDOC does not make any representations as to the cause of death for any individual, regardless of COVID-19 positive status. Questions about cause of death should be directed to the county medical examiner.
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY RELEASE PROGRAM | INMATES |
INMATE DEATHS |
---|---|---|
Bo Robinson Assessment and Treatment | 2 | 0 |
Clinton House | 0 | 0 |
Columbus House | 0 | 0 |
CURA, Inc. | 1 | 0 |
Fenwick House | 0 | 0 |
Fletcher House | 0 | 0 |
Garrett House | 1 | 0 |
Hope Hall | 1 | 0 |
James A. Hemm House | 0 | 0 |
Kintock Bridgeton 1 | 0 | 0 |
Kintock Bridgeton 2 | 0 | 0 |
Kintock Newark | 0 | 0 |
The Harbor House | 3 | 0 |
Tully House | 1 | 0 |
Totals | 9 | 0 |
*This chart represents cumulative cases captured under Phase 2 testing.
*NJDOC does not make any representations as to the cause of death for any individual, regardless of COVID-19 positive status. Questions about cause of death should be directed to the county medical examiner.
As a basis of comparison, and in the spirit of transparency, the below charts reflect the cumulative cases at the NJDOC prisons, Residential Community Release Program and Assessment Center from April 3, 2020 through the July 26, prior to the commencement of Phase 2 testing.
PRISONS AND ANCILLARY LOCATIONS | EMPLOYEES |
INMATES |
INMATE DEATHS |
---|---|---|---|
Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center | 76 | 384 | 14 |
Bayside State Prison | 7 | 80 | 0 |
Central Office Headquarters | 40 | 0 | 0 |
Central Reception and Assignment Facility | 81 | 162 | 2 |
Correctional Staff Training Academy | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Custody Recruitment Unit | 2 | 0 | 0 |
East Jersey State Prison | 104 | 168 | 8 |
Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women | 87 | 115 | 2 |
Garden State Youth Correctional Facility | 42 | 389 | 1 |
Mid-State Correctional Facility | 76 | 76 | 1 |
New Jersey State Prison | 93 | 151 | 6 |
Northern State Prison | 154 | 210 | 10 |
South Woods State Prison | 46 | 692 | 7 |
Southern State Correctional Facility | 81 | 154 | 0 |
William H. Fauver Youth Correctional Facility | 39 | 196 | 0 |
Totals | 933 | 2,777 | 51 |
*This chart represents cumulative cases since the onset of the pandemic through the Departments Phase 1 universal testing.
*Staff cases represent results from independent and Departamental universal testing.
*NJDOC does not make any representations as to the cause of death for any individual, regardless of COVID-19 positive status. Questions about cause of death should be directed to the county medical examiner.
*RCRP staff are not NJDOC employees.
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY RELEASE PROGRAM | INMATES |
INMATE DEATHS |
---|---|---|
Bo Robinson Assessment and Treatment | 47 | 1 |
Clinton House | 0 | 0 |
Columbus House | 6 | 0 |
CURA, Inc. | 0 | 0 |
Fenwick House | 0 | 0 |
Fletcher House | 1 | 0 |
Garrett House | 3 | 0 |
Hope Hall | 12 | 0 |
James A. Hemm House | 1 | 0 |
Kintock Bridgeton 1 | 10 | 0 |
Kintock Bridgeton 2 | 14 | 0 |
Kintock Newark | 10 | 0 |
The Harbor House | 5 | 0 |
Tully House | 6 | 0 |
Totals | 115 | 1 |
*This chart represents cumulative cases since the onset of the pandemic through the Departments Phase 1 universal testing.
*NJDOC does not make any representations as to the cause of death for any individual, regardless of COVID-19 positive status. Questions about cause of death should be directed to the county medical examiner.
The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) takes the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) seriously, and in consultation with the Department of Health, has taken proactive measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. These action steps are outlined in the frequently asked questions below.
. | Are individuals being screened for COVID-19 before entering an NJDOC facility?
Yes. The NJDOC is conducting health screenings of all individuals entering its facilities that includes a temperature scan and subsequent questionnaire detailing recent travel activity and contact with individuals who tested positive for COVID-19. |
. | Are inmates provided with masks?
Yes, all inmates, residents and individuals visiting our facilities are provided with masks for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
. | Are inmates and NJDOC staff being tested?
Yes. The Department has launched the largest state universal testing initiative for both inmates and NJDOC staff utilizing the Rutgers University saliva test. |
. | Is the Department providing housing for NJDOC staff who may need to self-quarantine or medically isolate?
The Department is offering non-congregate “alternative” housing for all NJDOC and UCHC staff members who have been exposed to the virus to not have to worry about transmitting the virus to their loved ones. Staff can contact their regional HR manager for additional details. |
. | How is the Department determining who should be quarantined?
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, individuals who have contact with a person who has COVID-19 are required to be quarantined for 14 days. Contact is defined as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. The fifteen minutes of cumulative exposure at a distance of 6 feet or less (2 meters) triggers the Department’s contact tracing notification protocols. |
. | Is social distancing being enforced throughout NJDOC facilities?
To accommodate for social distancing the Department implemented flexible work arrangements for non-essential personnel that includes a reduced and rotational workforce. As it pertains to the incarcerated, group activities, dining, recreation, religious gatherings, and education were either suspended or modified to minimize potential exposure and encourage social distancing. Additionally, since the announcement of the public health emergency the incarcerated population decreased between those completing their sentence, paroles and those released under Executive Order 124 and Public Law 2020-C.111 allowing for public health emergency credits to further reduce the population in an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus. |
. | What procedures is the NJDOC using to keep facilities clean?
All facilities have enhanced sanitization efforts using bleach. The Department also provides access to hand sanitizer (when available), unlimited access to soap, and cleaning supplies while educating all on CDC guidance on mitigating the spread of germs and encouraging inmates to clean their living quarters daily. |
. | What operational steps has the Department taken to mitigate the impact of COVID-19?
The following is a list of proactive measures the Department has taken to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
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. | How can I contact my loved one while visitation is suspended?
The Department recognizes that families provide critical support and increased access to other forms of communication such as telephone calls, JPay kiosk usage and access to U.S. mail postage, free of charge, to maintain ties to loved ones during visitation suspension. The Department continues to offer these services. Even when an individual is in medical isolation or quarantine, access to communication devices are made available and sanitized after each use. |
. | Is educational programming affected by the COVID-19 outbreak?
Group classes were suspended to accommodate for social distancing. During the suspension, independent education programs are provided and a limited number of educators are available to distribute coursework and assist students. |
. | How does the social distancing mandate apply to offenders that sleep in dorms?
Current housing situations will remain in place unless there’s a medical need for specialized housing such as medical quarantine or medical isolation. |
. | What happens if someone in the offender population shows possible signs of COVID-19 inside a facility?
The NJDOC has prepared quarantine and medical isolation accommodations for asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals, respectively, across its facilities. If someone shows possible signs of COVID-19 the NJDOC medical team in partnership with the Department of Health will determine next steps for those who exhibit COVID-related symptoms; this includes quarantining, medically isolating, or transferring the impacted to a hospital, as needed. |
. | What happens if an employee shows possible signs of COVID-19 inside a facility?
The Department is taking every precaution to mitigate the spread of the virus, including:
Should an employee test positive, that individual will be instructed to self-quarantine or self-isolate at home. NJDOC will notify all individuals who have been in contact with the individual so that they can self-quarantine, as directed by the Department of Health. The Department would also quarantine inmates that have been in contact with the individual while monitoring symptoms. Non-congregate housing has been made available for impacted staff wishing to recover in a safe space as to not infect their loved ones. |
. | Is the NJDOC waving all medical copays at this time?
Yes. |
. | How does NJDOC determine who will be tested? Will testing be provided for prisoners who request it or show symptoms?
The Department is proactively testing all individuals as part of the largest state COVID-19 universal testing initiative. Inmates who test positive will be medically isolated or transported to a hospital for additional care, as medically prescribed. |
. | Have you looked into canceling state transports? What about my loved one who had a routine health appointment in the community?
All nonessential medical trips are on hold. |
. | Are transfers happening between institutions and from jails?
Out of an abundance of caution, the Department:
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. | Are laundry operations modified due to COVID-19?
At this time, the CDC is not recommending any changes to the current processing standards for the commercial laundry industry. According to the CDC, there is a higher risk of exposure with close direct person-to-person contact than with indirect contact of potentially contaminated objects (such as laundry). The NJDOC will continue to utilize standard universal precautions in the handling and processing of all contaminated materials. As a precaution, NJDOC has enhanced the disinfecting of its laundry facilities. |
. | What steps are you taking to protect staff?
Department is taking every precaution to mitigate the spread of the virus in its facilities including:
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Executive Order 124 and Public Health Emergency Credits: | |
. | What is being done for the elderly and vulnerable people in custody?
Under Executive Order No. 124, the NJDOC is granting temporary emergency home medical confinement to certain at-risk inmates who have not committed a serious offense, during the public health emergency. Eligible populations include individuals aged 60 years older; individuals with high-risk medical conditions, based on CDC COVID-19 guidance; individuals who will complete their sentences within the next three months; and individuals who were denied parole within the last year. Each case is to be assessed by an Emergency Medical Review Committee that would make individualized determinations of whether home confinement would better serve an eligible inmate. A copy of Executive Order No 124 can be found here https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/pdf/EO-124.pdf |
. | Is my loved one eligible for early release?
Under Executive Order No. 124, the NJDOC is granting temporary emergency home medical confinement to certain at-risk inmates who have not committed a serious offense, during the public health emergency. Eligible populations include individuals aged 60 years older; individuals with high-risk medical conditions, based on CDC COVID-19 guidance; individuals who will complete their sentences within the next three months; and individuals who were denied parole within the last year. Pursuant to N.J.S.A, 30:4-91.3b, the lists will not include inmates with convictions of murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. Inmates serving a sentence for an offense subject to provisions of the No Early Release Act N.J.S.A 2C: 43-7.2, will be excluded from the lists as well. Each case is to be assessed by an Emergency Medical Review Committee that would make individualized determinations of whether home confinement would better serve an eligible inmate. Placement on the referral list does not guarantee release. A copy of Executive Order No 124 can be found here https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/pdf/EO-124.pdf. Inmates will be notified directly by the Department of their eligibility, approval or denial status. In addition to EO 124, the Governor has signed S2519 into law, awarding public health emergency credits towards the remission of time from the sentences of the incarcerated. Beginning November 4, Public Health Emergency Credits will be awarded to those inmates whose maximum release date is within one year with the exception of those individuals serving time for murder, aggravated sexual assault, or a sexual offense where the conduct is characterized by a pattern of repetitive, compulsive behavior. Inmates will be notified directly of their eligibility with a proposed date for release. |
. | How can I submit medical information to support a request for temporary emergency medical home confinement?
The Department will assess eligible individuals based on the criteria set forth in the Executive Order utilizing institutional medical records. Pursuant to N.J.S.A, 30:4-91.3b, the lists will not include inmates with convictions of murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. Inmates serving a sentence for an offense subject to provisions of the No Early Release Act N.J.S.A 2C: 43-7.2, will be excluded from the lists as well. Relevant medical records can be sent to DOC-EMHC@doc.nj.gov. Please be advised that this email is solely for providing NJDOC verifiable medical documentation for a NJDOC inmate which demonstrates that he/she has a medical condition that puts him/her at higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19. No other communications will be addressed via this email address. In the subject line you must indicate the inmate’s full name AND SBI#. |
. | An inmate has received a statement of reasons for denial of EMHC under EO #124. How does the inmate seek reconsideration of the NJDOC’s denial?
The inmate may submit additional information for reconsideration via JPAY. Additionally, the individual’s attorney may email additional information for consideration to DOC-E0124@doc.nj.gov. Please include “denial reconsideration” in the subject line of the email along with the inmates full name AND SBI#. Please be advised that this email is solely for providing NJDOC information regarding reconsideration for a NJDOC inmate who was previously denied temporary home confinement. No other communications will be addressed via this email address. |
. | How will I know if my loved one is eligible for the temporary emergency medical home confinement or S2519 also known as Public Law 2020-C.111? Inmates will be notified directly by the Department of their eligibility, approval or denial status. |
. | How can I find out what my loved one’s status is for release under Executive Order 124 also known as Public Law 2020-C.111?
Because of the fluidity of the process we are unable to provide information as to where in the process your loved one is. However, the inmate will be notified directly by the Department of their eligibility, approval or denial status. Family and friends of the inmate who are listed as their “community support contact” will be notified of the time of release and pick-up logistics. |
. | What does the process for releasing individuals under Executive Order #124 entail?
Under the Executive Order, the NJDOC creates a list of individuals who meet the qualifying criterial for consideration as defined in the Order. Upon completion of that list, NJDOC sends it to an Emergency Medical Review Committee. The Committee must review the case file of each individual who is eligible for consideration. The Committee receives a list of eligible individuals on a rolling basis and has seven days to send the NJDOC Commissioner its recommendations on whether each eligible individual should be placed on temporary home confinement. The Committee will provide individualized determinations as to whether home confinement would be appropriate for an eligible inmate. As part of the review process, the Committee reviews temporary home confinement conditions and the furlough placement plan in order to determine whether the home is a safe environment for the inmate and those currently in the dwelling. This requires a thorough in-person home assessment for each person who is going to be recommended for release. The Committee must also have received and reviewed input from prosecutors and victims on the potential of placing the inmate on temporary home confinement before making recommendations for release. After completing its review, the Committee will send the NJDOC Commissioner its recommendations on whether each eligible individual should be placed on temporary home confinement. After receiving the Committee’s recommendation, the NJDOC Commissionerwill have three days to make a decision on whether to grant emergency medical home confinement. Placement on the referral list does not guarantee release. Inmates will be notified directly by the Department of their eligibility, approval or denial status. |
. | Is my loved one eligible for the Public Health Emergency Credit recently signed by the Governor?
Public Health Emergency Credits under S2519 also known as Public Law 2020-C.111 will be awarded to those inmates whose maximum release date is within one year with the exception of those individuals serving time for murder, aggravated sexual assault, or a sexual offense where the conduct is characterized by a pattern of repetitive, compulsive behavior. Inmates will be notified directly of their eligibility with a proposed release date. |
. | My loved one is eligible for the Public Health Emergency Credit. When will they be released?
Eligible individuals will be notified directly of their release date. |
. | What special precautions are you taking for inmates that are soon to be released?
From a health perspective, as part of our regular discharge processes, all inmates nearing release will undergo a medical assessment that will now include CDC guidance on how to protect themselves from COVID-19. The discharge process also includes linkages to resources that provide support to offenders, from state-issued identification, to medical care coverage, medical services and housing support along with a supply of prescription medication for existing conditions. |
. | I’m a victim concerned about the Public Health Emergency Credits. What should I do if I’m contacted by the released?
Public Law 2020-C.111 requires the New Jersey Department of Corrections to award public health emergency credits to select inmates during a public health emergency. Beginning November 4, Public Health Emergency Credits will be awarded to those inmates whose maximum release date is within one year, except for those serving time for murder, aggravated sexual assault, or a sexual offense where the conduct is characterized by a pattern of repetitive, compulsive behavior. The law includes a “no contact” order prohibiting an inmate from having contact with an identifiable victim in any case where there is, indeed, an identifiable victim of the crime for which that inmate is serving a sentence. Violation of the prohibition against contact with a victim is a crime of the fourth degree. Concerned victims are encouraged to reach out to their County Office of Victim Witness Advocacy in the Prosecutor’s office and to refer to the resources made available on the NJDOC website, https://njdoc.gov/pages/victimServices.html |
. | What measures are in place in Residential Community Release Programs (RCRP)?
NJDOC has instituted several measures to mitigate the spread of the virus at Residential Community Release Programs (RCRP). These include:
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. | What happens if an RCRP employee has a confirmed case of COVID-19?
Should an RCRP employee test positive, that individual will be instructed to self-quarantine or self-isolate at home. The facility staff will notify all employees who have been in contact with the confirmed so that can self-quarantine, as directed by the Department of Health. The Department would also quarantine inmates that have been in contact with the individual, on site. |
. | What happens if an inmate residing at an RCRP/Assessment Center gets sick?
If an inmate either exhibits signs of illness or seeks medical assistance, the RCRP/Assessment Center staff will contact medical staff at the regional prison institution via phone to determine if an in-person assessment is needed. If medical staff determines that an in person evaluation is not needed, the inmate patient will be provided medical education through the regional institution’s registered nurse via phone. If medical staff determines that an in-person evaluation is needed, the inmate patient will be brought to the regional facility, and assessed in a pre-determined area so as to not mix with any other inmate patients and/or staff. Inmate patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms are evaluated by medical staff and placed in medical isolation units in the facility or transferred to a hospital as medically prescribed. Individuals in medical isolation at a prison facility may be released from medical isolation in accordance with CDC and NJDOH guidance. Inmate patients in the isolation unit must wear surgical masks for movements in and out of the unit. The staff, both medical and custody, must wear full PPE in and out of the isolation unit. Inmates admitted to a hospital will return to a facility once medically cleared and will be placed in a regional facilities infirmary where they will be monitored for co-morbid conditions as they recover from their illness. RCRP/Assessment Center residents shall remain at the regional facility until it is determined by the Office of Community Programs to be operationally effective to transfer them. Inmates with known exposure to COVID-19 shall be quarantined in a specifically designated quarantine unit within the facility. The inmates shall be monitored by medical staff. If the inmate becomes symptomatic during this 14-day quarantine period, they will be evaluated for medical isolation or referred to a hospital for evaluation and testing. |