Bayside State Prison is a correctional facility located in Leesburg, New Jersey. It is operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections and houses male inmates who have been sentenced to more than one year of incarceration.
The prison is known for its high-security measures and strict rules, which are intended to maintain order and prevent any incidents of violence or misconduct.
In recent years, Bayside State Prison has been the subject of controversy due to allegations of mistreatment and abuse of inmates by correctional officers. Several officers have been arrested and charged with violating inmates’ civil rights, and the prison has been the subject of inspections and investigations by state and federal authorities.
Despite these issues, the prison remains an important part of the state’s correctional system, and efforts are being made to address the problems and improve conditions for inmates.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,423 |
| Physical Address | 4293 Rte 47, Leesburg, NJ 08327 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box F-1 Leesburg, New Jersey 08327 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (856) 785-0040 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Location
Bayside State Prison is located in Leesburg, Cumberland County, New Jersey. The facility is situated on 1,600 acres of land and is surrounded by farmland. It is located approximately 35 miles south of Atlantic City and 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia.
History
Bayside State Prison was opened in 1986 as a medium-security facility for adult males. Over the years, the facility has undergone several changes and expansions.
In 1995, a new housing unit was added to the prison, and in 1998, a new medical and mental health unit was built. In 2000, a new administration building was constructed.
In 2009, Bayside State Prison became the first prison in the United States to implement a program that allows inmates to earn college degrees while incarcerated. The program is a partnership between the New Jersey Department of Corrections and Cumberland County College.
In recent years, Bayside State Prison has faced criticism for its conditions and treatment of inmates. In 2018, the prison was one of several in New Jersey to be cited by the American Civil Liberties Union for its use of solitary confinement.
In 2019, the prison was the subject of a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) compliance audit. The audit found several areas of non-compliance, including inadequate staff training and inadequate inmate education on sexual abuse prevention.
Facilities and Programs
Facilities
Bayside State Prison consists of several housing units, including general population, administrative segregation, and protective custody.
The facility also has a Reception and Treatment Center, where newly arrived inmates are assessed and provided with necessary medical and psychiatric treatment.
In terms of healthcare, Bayside State Prison provides dental treatment to its inmates through its dental clinic, which is staffed by licensed dentists who provide routine and emergency dental care.
Notably, Bayside State Prison has a commissary where inmates can purchase items such as snacks, toiletries, and clothing. The commissary operates on a weekly basis, and inmates can place orders using a kiosk system.
Programs
Bayside State Prison offers various educational classes to its inmates, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training.
The facility also has a library where inmates can access books, newspapers, and magazines.
Inmate Life
Visitation
Inmates at Bayside State Prison are allowed to have visitors, subject to certain restrictions.
Visitors must be approved by the prison authorities and must provide valid identification. Inmates are allowed to have up to five visitors at a time, and visits are limited to one hour.
Visitation Hours
Visitation hours at Bayside State Prison vary. For a detailed schedule, check here.
Inmates at Bayside State Prison are allowed to send and receive mail, subject to certain restrictions.
Incoming mail must be addressed to the inmate and include the inmate’s full name and offender ID number.
Outgoing mail must be addressed properly and include the inmate’s return address and offender ID number. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages except for legal mail.
Offender ID
Every inmate at Bayside State Prison is assigned an offender ID number. This number is used to identify the inmate in all official records and correspondence.
Inmates must provide their offender ID number when sending and receiving mail, making phone calls, and during visitation.
Rules and Regulations
Inmates at Bayside State Prison are required to follow a strict set of rules and regulations. These rules cover everything from personal hygiene to prohibited activities.
Inmates are not allowed to possess drugs, weapons, or contraband of any kind. They must also follow strict guidelines regarding their behavior and interactions with other inmates and corrections officers.
Overall, inmate life at Bayside State Prison is highly regulated and subject to strict rules and regulations. While inmates are allowed some limited freedoms, such as visitation and mail privileges, they must follow strict guidelines in order to maintain their privileges and avoid disciplinary action.