The Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women (EMCFW) is a state-run prison located in Union Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It is the only prison facility in New Jersey that houses state-sentenced women prisoners. The prison was established in 1913 as the State Reformatory for Women at Clinton. Over the years, the facility has undergone several changes and upgrades, including the addition of a mental health unit and a residential treatment unit.
Despite its long history, the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women has been the subject of controversy in recent years. In January 2021, an incident involving the use of excessive force by prison guards during a cell extraction led to an investigation by the state government. The investigation report revealed a pattern of abuse and misconduct by the prison staff, leading to calls for the closure of the facility. In June 2021, Governor Phil Murphy announced his intention to close the prison, citing the need for a more humane and effective approach to women’s incarceration.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 555 |
| Physical Address | 30 Route 513, Clinton, NJ 08809 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 4004 Clinton, New Jersey 08809 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (908) 735-7111 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women
Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women is a state prison located in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The facility is managed by the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) and is named after Edna Mahan, who served as superintendent of the New Jersey Reformatory for Women from 1928 to 1968.
History
The facility was opened in 1913 as the Clinton Farms Reformatory for Women. In 1929, the facility was renamed the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in honor of its former superintendent. Over the years, the facility has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the increasing number of female inmates.
Facility Details
The facility has a maximum capacity of 555 inmates and houses female offenders of all custody levels. It has a variety of housing units, including dormitory-style housing, single cells, and specialized units for pregnant and postpartum women. The facility also offers educational and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Current State of Affairs
In recent years, the facility has faced a number of challenges, including allegations of sexual assault and misconduct by corrections officers. In 2021, the facility came under scrutiny after a group of corrections officers were charged with excessive force and misconduct for allegedly assaulting inmates. As a result, the NJDOC formed a task force to review the facility’s operations and make recommendations for improvement.
Despite these challenges, the facility remains an important part of the state’s correctional system and plays a vital role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of female offenders. The NJDOC is committed to ensuring that all inmates are treated with respect and dignity and that the facility operates in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Visitation Hours
- Minimum Compound
- Monday, Thursday, and Saturday: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
- Maximum Compound
- Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
For more information about visitation check here.
Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs
Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women provides various treatment and rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for their reentry into society. These programs focus on addressing the physical and mental health needs of the inmates, as well as their substance abuse issues.
The facility offers a licensed program for substance use disorder treatment for female inmates who qualify. The program provides medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and other supportive services. Male inmates can voluntarily join the Substance Use Disorder treatment program at Mid-State Correctional Facility.
In addition to substance abuse treatment, Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women also offers mental health services to inmates. The majority of women at the facility have physical as well as mental health needs, and the facility provides access to medical and mental health care services.
The facility also offers educational and vocational programs to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to secure employment upon their release. These programs include adult basic education, vocational training, and apprenticeships.
Overall, the treatment and rehabilitation programs at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women aim to address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior and prepare inmates for successful reentry into society.
Inmate Safety and Abuse Allegations
Recent Incidents and Allegations
Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women has been in the news recently due to a number of incidents and allegations related to inmate safety and abuse. In January 2021, a group of inmates were forcibly removed from their cells and some were beaten, leaving two of the victims severely injured. A state grand jury indicted 14 corrections officers who were charged in connection with the incident. Video recordings related to the incident were released by the Attorney General’s Office.
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey have concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that the conditions at EMCFW violate the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. Specifically, the department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that the conditions at EMCFW violate the Eighth Amendment due to the sexual abuse of prisoners by the facility’s staff.
Response from Officials
The New Jersey Department of Corrections has reached a settlement with plaintiffs on longstanding allegations of sexual abuse and harassment at EMCFW that have been pending since 2017. The settlement, which was reached during mediation with the Honorable Diane M. Welsh (ret.), resolves both individual claims for those inmates who claim to have been direct victims of sexual abuse and harassment, as well as claims for systemic relief.
NJDOC officials have also taken steps to address the issues at EMCFW. The department has implemented a number of reforms to improve the safety and well-being of inmates, including hiring additional staff, providing additional training to staff, and improving the facility’s infrastructure. NJDOC officials have also worked closely with the Department of Justice to address the issues at EMCFW.
In conclusion, the recent incidents and allegations related to inmate safety and abuse at EMCFW have raised serious concerns about the conditions at the facility. While officials have taken steps to address the issues, more work needs to be done to ensure that inmates are safe and protected from abuse.
How to Send Money to Inmates
Sending money to an inmate at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Inmates can use the money to purchase a variety of items, including food, clothing, and toiletries from the commissary. Here are the ways to send money to an inmate:
Online Deposits
Friends and family members can deposit money into an inmate’s account using JPay, a secure online payment system. To use JPay, the sender must create an account and provide the inmate’s ID number. Once the account is set up, the sender can deposit funds using a credit or debit card. The money is usually available to the inmate within 24 hours.
Phone Deposits
In addition to online deposits, friends and family members can also deposit money into an inmate’s account using a credit or debit card over the phone. To use this service, the sender must call JPay’s toll-free number and provide the inmate’s ID number. The money is usually available to the inmate within 24 hours.
Money Orders
Money orders can be sent to the facility through the mail. The sender must include the inmate’s full name, ID number, and the sender’s name and return address on the money order. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Money orders should be made payable to “Edna Mahan Correctional Facility” and sent to the following address:
- Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 30 County Road 513 Clinton, NJ 08809
Lobby Kiosk
Friends and family members can also deposit money into an inmate’s account using the lobby kiosk located in the facility’s visitation area. The kiosk accepts cash and credit or debit cards. The money is usually available to the inmate within 24 hours.
It is important to note that all deposits are subject to a processing fee, which varies depending on the method used. Inmates are also limited to a maximum balance of $200 in their account at any given time. Any excess funds will be held until the inmate’s release.
In conclusion, sending money to an inmate at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women is a simple process that can be completed using online deposits, phone deposits, money orders, or the lobby kiosk. It is important to follow the guidelines outlined by the facility to ensure that the money is deposited correctly and is available to the inmate as soon as possible.
Legal Representation and Rights for Inmates
Inmates at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women have the right to legal representation and access to the courts. The facility has a law library where inmates can research their legal matters. Additionally, the facility has procedures in place to ensure that inmates receive legal mail and are able to communicate with their attorneys.
Attorney General’s Office
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office is responsible for representing the state in legal matters. The office has been involved in litigation related to Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women. In April 2023, the Justice Department reached a proposed consent decree with the State of New Jersey and New Jersey Department of Corrections concerning the facility. The consent decree is designed to address the constitutional violations alleged in the complaint, including sexual abuse and harassment of inmates by staff.
Lawsuits and Court Cases
Inmates at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women have filed lawsuits related to their treatment at the facility. In 2020, the Department of Justice notified the State of New Jersey that there is reasonable cause to believe that the New Jersey Department of Corrections fails to keep women prisoners at the facility safe from sexual abuse and harassment. The notification was made as part of a Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) investigation into conditions at the facility.
Inmates who believe that their rights have been violated can file a lawsuit in federal court. Inmates must first exhaust all administrative remedies before filing a lawsuit. This means that they must first file a grievance with the facility and appeal any adverse decisions. Inmates can then file a lawsuit in federal court if they are not satisfied with the outcome of the grievance process.
In conclusion, inmates at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women have the right to legal representation and access to the courts. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office is responsible for representing the state in legal matters, and inmates have filed lawsuits related to their treatment at the facility. Inmates must exhaust all administrative remedies before filing a lawsuit in federal court.