New Jersey State Prison is one of the oldest and largest correctional facilities in New Jersey, housing over 1,300 inmates. The prison is located in Trenton, New Jersey, and is operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections. It serves as a maximum-security prison for male inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape, and armed robbery.
The prison is known for its strict security measures and comprehensive rehabilitation programs aimed at helping inmates reintegrate into society. Inmates are provided with educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The prison also offers religious services and counseling to help inmates cope with the challenges of prison life.
Despite its efforts to provide a safe and rehabilitative environment for inmates, New Jersey State Prison has faced criticism over the years for its high levels of violence and poor living conditions. In 2020, the prison was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 90% of its inmates testing positive for the virus at one point. The prison has since implemented strict safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus and has reported a significant decrease in cases.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,397 |
| Physical Address | 600 Cass St, Trenton, NJ 08608 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 861 Trenton, New Jersey 08625 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (609) 292-9700 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) is a correctional facility located in Trenton, New Jersey. It is the oldest operating prison in the state and one of the oldest in the United States. NJSP has a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
Early Prisons
The first prison in New Jersey was the 1798 Penitentiary House, which was built in Burlington County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that the state began to build more formal prisons. The first of these was the Fortress Penitentiary, which was built in Trenton in 1836. The Fortress Penitentiary was designed by John Haviland, a prominent architect of the time, and was based on the Pennsylvania System of solitary confinement.
Over the years, NJSP has undergone many changes. In the early 20th century, the prison began to focus on rehabilitation and education for inmates. In 1918, the concept of Correctional Industries was introduced to the prison, which aimed to minimize prison disorder and to prepare inmates for a successful life after release from prison.
Contemporary Prison Facility
Today, NJSP is a modern correctional facility that provides a secure and safe environment for inmates. The prison has a capacity of 1,397 inmates and is staffed by more than 1,000 employees. NJSP offers a wide range of programs and services to inmates, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
NJSP has a long and storied history, and it remains an important part of the state’s criminal justice system. Despite its age, the prison has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of society. Whether it is through the use of new technology or the implementation of innovative programs, NJSP is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
Security
Security is of utmost importance at the New Jersey State Prison. The facility is designed to house high-risk inmates, and as such, security measures are taken very seriously. The prison employs a number of security measures to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.
Security Measures
The New Jersey State Prison utilizes a number of security measures to maintain order and safety within the facility. These measures include:
- Security cameras throughout the facility
- Metal detectors at all entrances
- Highly trained correctional officers
- Regular searches of cells and common areas
- Strict rules and regulations for inmate behavior
These measures are designed to prevent violence and ensure that inmates are held in a secure environment.
Death Row
The New Jersey State Prison houses the state’s only death row. Inmates on death row are kept in a separate, highly secure area of the prison. They are subject to even stricter security measures than other inmates and are kept in their cells for 23 hours a day.
Jesse Timmendequas, who was convicted of the murder of Megan Kanka, is one of the most well-known inmates on death row at the New Jersey State Prison. His case led to the creation of Megan’s Law, which requires law enforcement to notify the public about convicted sex offenders living in their communities.
Protective Custody
Inmates who are deemed to be at risk of harm from other inmates may be placed in protective custody. This is a separate area of the prison where these inmates can be kept safe from harm. Richard Cottingham, also known as the “Torso Killer,” is one such inmate who is currently being held in protective custody at the New Jersey State Prison.
Charles Cullen, a former nurse who was convicted of murdering multiple patients, is another high-profile inmate who is being held at the New Jersey State Prison. He is not in protective custody but is being held in a separate area of the prison due to the nature of his crimes.
Overall, the New Jersey State Prison takes security very seriously and employs a number of measures to ensure the safety of all inmates and staff.
Visitation
Visitation at the New Jersey State Prison is a privilege granted to incarcerated individuals to maintain contact with their loved ones, while also ensuring the safety and security of the facility. The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) has specific guidelines and rules that must be followed by both visitors and inmates during visitation.
Visiting Hours
The visiting hours at the New Jersey State Prison vary based on the housing unit and the custody level of the incarcerated individual. Visitors are advised to contact the facility to schedule their visit and confirm the visiting hours. For visitation hours check here.
Types of Visits
There are two types of visits available at the New Jersey State Prison: window visits and contact visits. Window visits are conducted through a glass partition, while contact visits allow physical contact between visitors and incarcerated individuals.
To be eligible for contact visits, visitors must be on the incarcerated individual’s approved visitor list and have a valid photo ID. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
It is important to note that the NJDOC has specific guidelines for both types of visits, including dress code requirements and restrictions on personal items. Visitors are advised to review the NJDOC’s guidelines before attending their visit to avoid any issues or delays.
Overall, visitation at the New Jersey State Prison is an important aspect of maintaining family connections and supporting positive reentry outcomes for incarcerated individuals. By following the NJDOC’s guidelines and rules, visitors can help ensure the safety and security of the facility while also maintaining their relationship with their loved ones.
Inmate Information
When it comes to New Jersey State Prison, inmate information is an important topic. Inmates, their families, and loved ones need to know how to search for inmates, how to contact them, and how to send them mail. Here are some details about inmate information that you should know.
Inmate Search
The New Jersey State Parole Board provides an offender search tool on its website. The search tool allows you to search for inmates by their name, date of birth, or state identification number. The search tool will provide you with information about the inmate’s current status, parole eligibility date, and more.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at New Jersey State Prison have a mailing address that you can use to send them mail. The mailing address is:
Inmate Name, SBI Number
New Jersey State Prison
P.O. Box 861 Trenton, New Jersey 08625It’s important to note that all mail sent to inmates is subject to inspection and can be read by prison officials. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, but they can receive letters, cards, and photographs. When sending mail to an inmate, it’s important to follow the prison’s guidelines and rules.
Inmates at New Jersey State Prison may also have access to telephones, but these telephones are monitored and calls may be recorded. Inmates may only call approved phone numbers, and these phone numbers must be added to the inmate’s approved calling list.
Inmates who are in administrative segregation may have different rules and restrictions when it comes to mail and telephone access. It’s important to check with the prison or correctional facility to find out the rules and regulations for inmates in administrative segregation.
Overall, it’s important to remember that inmates at New Jersey State Prison have limited access to the outside world, and their communication with the outside world is heavily monitored and restricted.
Parole and Probation
The New Jersey State Prison has a Parole and Probation system that aims to help offenders reintegrate into society. This section will provide an overview of the State Parole Board, Parole Absconders, and the New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry.
State Parole Board
The State Parole Board is responsible for determining an offender’s eligibility for parole. The Board considers various factors, including the offender’s criminal history, behavior while incarcerated, and the nature of the offense. The Board also takes into account the victim’s input and any other relevant information.
Once a parolee is released, they are required to follow certain conditions, such as meeting with a parole officer, attending counseling sessions, and finding employment. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in the offender being sent back to prison.
Parole Absconders
Parole Absconders are individuals who have violated their conditions of parole and have not been located by law enforcement. The State Parole Board works alongside other agencies to locate and apprehend these individuals. The Board also has a hotline that the public can use to report any information about a parole absconder.
New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry
The New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry is a public database that lists information about convicted sex offenders. The registry includes the offender’s name, photograph, physical description, and the nature of their offense. The registry also provides information about the offender’s current location and any restrictions they have.
The registry is intended to help the public protect themselves and their families by providing information about convicted sex offenders in their area. It is important to note that not all sex offenders are listed on the registry, and individuals should still take precautions to ensure their safety.
In conclusion, the Parole and Probation system in the New Jersey State Prison aims to help offenders reintegrate into society while also ensuring public safety. The State Parole Board, Parole Absconders, and the New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry are all important components of this system.