East Jersey State Prison is a correctional facility located in Rahway, New Jersey, that houses adult male inmates. The prison is operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections and has a capacity of approximately 1,200 inmates. It is one of the largest correctional facilities in the state and has a long history of housing some of the state’s most dangerous criminals.
The prison was originally opened in 1896 and was known as the New Jersey State Prison. It was renamed East Jersey State Prison in 1982 to distinguish it from the newly constructed Northern State Prison. Over the years, the prison has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, including the addition of a maximum security unit in 1995. Despite these changes, the prison remains one of the most secure and heavily guarded facilities in the state.
East Jersey State Prison has been the subject of controversy over the years, with allegations of mistreatment and abuse of inmates. In 2008, the prison was placed on lockdown after an inmate was found dead in his cell. The incident sparked protests and calls for reform, leading to an investigation by the state’s Department of Corrections. While the investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing, it did lead to changes in the way the prison is managed and monitored.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,227 |
| Physical Address | 1100 Woodbridge Rd, Rahway, NJ 07065 |
| Mailing Address | Lock Bag R Rahway, New Jersey 07065 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Monday – Thursday: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am – 10:00 am, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (732) 499-5010 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Founding
East Jersey State Prison, located in Rahway, New Jersey, was established in 1896. It is the state’s second-oldest correctional facility and was built in the Auburn style, with a rotunda and “spokes” which comprise the housing units. The prison was designed to provide maximum, medium, and minimum security programs for adult male inmates. The facility has undergone several renovations and expansions throughout its history to keep up with the changing needs of the prison system.
Notable Inmates
Over the years, East Jersey State Prison has housed many notable inmates, including Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a former professional boxer who was wrongly convicted of murder in 1966. Carter’s case gained national attention and was the subject of a Bob Dylan song and a Hollywood movie.
In addition to its famous inmates, East Jersey State Prison has also been the site of several high-profile incidents over the years. In 1971, a group of inmates took over the prison’s administration building and held several hostages for several days before surrendering to authorities. In 2007, a corrections officer was killed by an inmate in the prison’s maximum-security unit, leading to increased scrutiny of the facility’s security procedures.
Despite these incidents, the Department of Corrections has continued to operate East Jersey State Prison as an important component of New Jersey’s correctional system. The prison currently houses over 1,000 inmates and employs hundreds of staff members to manage their care and security.
Facilities
The prison is operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections and is responsible for the custody of incarcerated individuals. The facility is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
Cell Houses
The prison has several cell houses, each of which contains multiple housing units. Inmates are assigned to housing units based on their classification level and behavior. The cell houses are designed to provide a secure and controlled environment for inmates.
Administration Building
The administration building is where the prison’s administrative staff work. This includes the warden, deputy wardens, and other administrative personnel. The building also contains the prison’s central control room, which is responsible for monitoring all activity within the facility.
Schoolrooms
East Jersey State Prison offers educational programs to inmates to help them improve their knowledge and skills. The schoolrooms are equipped with computers and other educational resources to help inmates learn. The programs include basic education, vocational training, and college courses.
Chapel
The chapel is a place of worship for inmates of all faiths. It provides a peaceful and quiet environment for inmates to practice their religion. The chapel also hosts various religious programs and services.
The prison also offers vocational training programs in horticulture, culinary arts, and painting. These programs are designed to help inmates develop skills that will be useful upon release. The vocational training programs provide inmates with hands-on experience and the opportunity to earn certifications.
Overall, East Jersey State Prison is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. The prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates improve their knowledge and skills and to prepare them for re-entry into society.
Physical Address and Visitation
East Jersey State Prison is located in Rahway, NJ, and is operated by the Department of Corrections. The physical address for the facility is 1100 Woodbridge Rd, Rahway, NJ 07065.
Inmate Mailing Address
Friends and family members of inmates can send mail to the following address:
- Inmate Name and SBI Number
- East Jersey State Prison
- Lock Bag R Rahway, New Jersey 07065
All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and read by prison staff. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, money orders, or cash.
Visitation Hours
Visitation at East Jersey State Prison is allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Visitors must call the facility to schedule their visit, and all visits are by appointment only. The visitation hours are as follows:
- Monday – Thursday: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am – 10:00 am, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled visit and bring a valid photo ID. All visitors must wear a face mask, sanitize their hands upon entering the facility, and undergo a body temperature screening. Visitation precautions depend on whether incarcerated individuals and their visitors are “up to date” on COVID-19 vaccinations.
In conclusion, East Jersey State Prison has a specific physical address for mail and visitation, and visitors must follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Programs and Services
East Jersey State Prison provides several programs and services to its inmates to help them prepare for their re-entry into society. These programs and services include education, training, visiting hours, telephone and registration, and commissary.
Education
East Jersey State Prison offers various educational programs to its inmates, including GED classes and vocational training. Inmates can earn their high school equivalency diploma through the GED program, which is offered in partnership with Union County College. The vocational training program provides inmates with skills and knowledge in fields such as carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing.
Training
The Department of Corrections offers several training programs to inmates to help them acquire the skills necessary to secure employment upon their release. These programs include computer skills, resume writing, and interview skills. Inmates can also participate in apprenticeships with local businesses, which provide them with hands-on experience in various trades.
Visiting Hours
Friends and family members of inmates are allowed to visit East Jersey State Prison during designated visiting hours. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list and must present a valid ID to be allowed into the facility. Visiting hours vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit, and visitors are advised to check the NJDOC website for current visiting hours.
Telephone and Registration
Inmates at East Jersey State Prison are allowed to make phone calls during designated hours. To make a call, inmates must first register their phone numbers with the NJDOC. Inmates can also receive phone calls from approved individuals. Friends and family members can register to receive calls from inmates by visiting the NJDOC website.
Commissary
Inmates at East Jersey State Prison can purchase items from the commissary, including snacks, personal hygiene products, and stationery. Inmates must have money in their accounts to make purchases, and the amount they can spend varies depending on their housing unit.
Overall, East Jersey State Prison provides a range of programs and services to its inmates to help them prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society. These programs and services play a vital role in helping inmates acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to secure employment and lead productive lives upon their release.
Custody Levels
East Jersey State Prison has custody levels that are used to classify and assign inmates to different security levels. There are three main custody levels at the prison: Minimum Security, Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center, and Reformatory.
Minimum Security
Inmates who are classified as minimum security are those who pose the least risk to the public and to the prison staff. They are typically housed in dormitory-style housing units and have more freedom of movement than inmates in other custody levels. Minimum security inmates are often allowed to work outside the prison on supervised work crews and may participate in educational and vocational programs.
Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center
The Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) is a specialized unit within East Jersey State Prison that provides treatment for sex offenders. Inmates in this custody level receive intensive therapy and counseling to address their sexual behavior and to help them develop the skills they need to reintegrate into society after their release.
Reformatory
The reformatory custody level is for inmates who are considered to be at medium security risk. They are housed in cells and have less freedom of movement than minimum security inmates. Reformatory inmates are typically allowed to participate in educational and vocational programs, but they may not be eligible for work release programs.
Overall, the custody levels at East Jersey State Prison are designed to ensure the safety and security of the public, prison staff, and inmates. The Department of Corrections uses a variety of tools and assessments to determine an inmate’s custody level, including their criminal history, behavior while incarcerated, and the nature of their offense.
Vocational Courses
East Jersey State Prison offers a variety of vocational courses to its incarcerated population. These courses are designed to provide inmates with practical skills that can help them secure employment upon their release. Some of the vocational courses offered at the prison include:
Automotive Repair
The automotive repair program at East Jersey State Prison provides inmates with hands-on training in the repair and maintenance of vehicles. Students learn how to diagnose and repair common problems with engines, transmissions, brakes, and other automotive systems. The program also covers topics such as safety procedures, tool usage, and customer service. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam.
Adult Basic Education
The adult basic education program at East Jersey State Prison is designed to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills. The program is open to inmates of all skill levels, from those who are just beginning to learn to read to those who are preparing for their high school equivalency exams. In addition to classroom instruction, the program offers one-on-one tutoring and computer-based learning resources.
College Courses
East Jersey State Prison offers a variety of college courses in partnership with local community colleges and universities. These courses cover a wide range of subjects, including business, psychology, and computer science. Inmates who successfully complete these courses can earn college credit and may be eligible for transfer to a four-year institution upon their release.
Overall, the vocational courses offered at East Jersey State Prison provide inmates with valuable skills that can help them succeed upon their release. By providing inmates with educational and vocational opportunities, the Department of Corrections is working to reduce recidivism and promote successful reentry into society.
Popular Culture
Filming Location
East Jersey State Prison has been a popular filming location for movies, documentaries, and music videos. The prison’s distinctive architecture has been used to create a realistic and gritty atmosphere in various productions. The prison’s austere exterior and imposing walls have been featured in films such as “Crazy Joe,” “Something Wild,” “Lock Up,” “Malcolm X,” “Rounders,” “He Got Game,” and “Ocean’s Eleven.”
Documentary Film
East Jersey State Prison has been the subject of several documentaries, including “Belly of the Beast,” directed by Erika Cohn, which explores the issue of forced sterilization of female prisoners. The documentary has won several awards and has been praised for shedding light on a little-known issue. Another documentary, “Night Visits,” directed by Penelope Spheeris, follows the lives of several inmates and their families and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of life in prison.
Music
Several musicians have referenced East Jersey State Prison in their songs. Bob Dylan’s “The Hurricane” tells the story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 19 years in prison, including time at East Jersey State Prison. The Escorts, a soul group from New Jersey, recorded the song “All We Need Is Another Chance” in 1973, which was inspired by their visit to the prison. The song was produced by George Kerr, who also produced music for other groups such as The O’Jays and The Moments.
Lifers Group, a hip-hop group comprised of inmates at East Jersey State Prison, released their album “#66064: The Struggle Continues” in 1993. The album was recorded inside the prison and features songs that address issues such as racism, poverty, and the criminal justice system. The album was well-received by critics and has since become a cult classic.
Visit an Inmate
It is important to note that while East Jersey State Prison may have a place in popular culture, it is still a functioning prison that houses inmates. Visitors must follow strict guidelines and procedures in order to visit an inmate. It is recommended to check the prison’s website for more information on visitation policies and procedures.