South Woods State Prison is a correctional facility located in Bridgeton, New Jersey. It is one of the newest and largest facilities managed by the New Jersey Department of Corrections, with a capacity to house more than 3,000 incarcerated individuals, including some of the most critically ill in the state system. The prison complex consists of three medium custody housing facilities and a minimum custody housing unit.
Despite its size, South Woods State Prison has faced some challenges in recent years, including concerns about the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff. In 2020, the prison reported a total of 193 COVID-19 cases among its inmate population, which was one of the highest numbers in the state. The New Jersey Department of Corrections has taken steps to address these issues, including implementing new protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and increasing staffing levels to improve safety and security within the facility.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 3,343 |
| Physical Address | 215 S Burlington Rd, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 |
| Mailing Address | 215 South Burlington Rd. Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | 1(H1, H2), 2(H3, H4), 3(H5, H6) and ECU: Saturday, Sunday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm MINIMUM UNIT – (M1, M2): Saturday, Sunday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (856) 459-7000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of South Woods State Prison
History
South Woods State Prison is a state prison located in Bridgeton, New Jersey. It was opened in 1997 and is managed by the New Jersey Department of Corrections. The facility has the capacity to house more than 3,000 incarcerated individuals, including some of the most critically ill in the state system.
Location and Address
South Woods State Prison is located at 215 South Burlington Road, Bridgeton, NJ 08302. The facility is situated on over 1,300 acres of land in a rural area of Cumberland County, New Jersey. The prison is easily accessible by car and is located near major highways.
Security
South Woods State Prison is a maximum-security unit that houses male inmates. The facility is divided into several housing units, each with its own security level. The prison utilizes a variety of security measures to ensure the safety of both inmates and facility staff. These measures include 24-hour surveillance, electronic security systems, and armed correctional officers.
The prison also has a number of programs and services available to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. These programs are designed to help inmates prepare for reentry into society and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
In summary, South Woods State Prison is a maximum-security unit located in Bridgeton, New Jersey. The facility has the capacity to house over 3,000 incarcerated individuals and utilizes a variety of security measures to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. The prison also offers a number of programs and services designed to help inmates prepare for reentry into society.
Inmate Population
Inmate Search
The New Jersey Department of Corrections provides an online inmate search tool that allows users to search for inmates in custody. The tool provides information such as the inmate’s name, age, race, sex, and current location. Friends and family members of inmates can use this tool to locate their loved ones and obtain information such as visitation schedules and mailing addresses.
Registration
Upon admission to South Woods State Prison, inmates are required to complete a registration process. During this process, inmates are photographed, fingerprinted, and interviewed by staff members. Inmates are also required to provide personal information such as their name, date of birth, and social security number. This information is used to create an inmate file, which is used to track the inmate’s movements and activities while in custody.
Inmate Population
South Woods State Prison is the state’s newest prison and has the largest inmate population in New Jersey. As of 2023, the prison houses over 3,000 inmates. The prison complex consists of three medium custody housing facilities and a minimum custody housing unit. Inmates at South Woods State Prison are primarily male and range in age from 18 to 60.
The inmate population at South Woods State Prison is diverse, with inmates from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Black U.S. residents are incarcerated at a higher rate than white U.S. residents. This trend is reflected in the inmate population at South Woods State Prison, where a significant portion of the inmate population is Black.
Cumberland County, where South Woods State Prison is located, has a higher poverty rate than the state average. This may contribute to the higher incarceration rates in the area. However, it is important to note that the reasons for incarceration are complex and multifaceted, and poverty is just one factor that may contribute to the issue.
Rules and Regulations
South Woods State Prison has strict rules and regulations that must be followed by both inmates and visitors. Failure to comply with these rules may result in disciplinary action.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at South Woods State Prison are scheduled based on the inmate’s housing unit. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the scheduled visitation time. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID and follow the dress code. Any visitor who violates the dress code will not be allowed to visit. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting area, including food, drinks, or personal belongings. Before visitation call the facility and check the schedule.
- 1(H1, H2), 2(H3, H4), 3(H5, H6) and ECU:
Saturday, Sunday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm - MINIMUM UNIT – (M1, M2):
Saturday, Sunday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Telephone and Phone Number
Inmates at South Woods State Prison are allowed to make phone calls during designated hours. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and are subject to monitoring and recording. Inmates are not allowed to receive incoming calls. Friends and family members can set up an account with Global Tel*Link to receive calls from inmates.
Money
Inmates at South Woods State Prison are allowed to have money in their accounts for commissary purchases. Money can be deposited into an inmate’s account through the kiosk in the visiting room or online through Access Corrections. Inmates are not allowed to possess cash.
Rules and Regulations
Inmates at South Woods State Prison are required to follow a strict set of rules and regulations. These rules cover everything from personal hygiene to disciplinary procedures. Inmates are expected to maintain a clean and orderly living space and follow all staff instructions. Failure to comply with these rules can result in disciplinary action.
Visitors are also required to follow a set of rules and regulations while at South Woods State Prison. Visitors must maintain appropriate behavior and follow all staff instructions. Any violation of the rules and regulations can result in the termination of the visit and future visitation privileges.
Overall, it is important for both inmates and visitors to understand and comply with the rules and regulations set forth by South Woods State Prison. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action or the termination of visitation privileges.
Education and Vocational Training
South Woods State Prison offers various educational and vocational training programs to help inmates acquire skills and knowledge that can help them succeed upon release. These programs aim to improve inmates’ chances of finding employment and reduce their likelihood of reoffending.
GED
One of the most important educational programs offered at South Woods State Prison is the General Educational Development (GED) program. This program helps inmates who did not complete high school to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma. Inmates who earn a GED have a better chance of finding employment upon release and are more likely to pursue higher education. The GED program at South Woods State Prison is designed to help inmates improve their literacy and numeracy skills and prepare them for the official GED test.
Vocational Training
South Woods State Prison also offers vocational training programs that aim to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various industries. These programs include courses in automotive repair, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and more. Inmates who complete these programs are better equipped to find employment upon release and may even have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications.
Educational Courses
In addition to GED and vocational training programs, South Woods State Prison offers various educational courses that cover a wide range of topics. These courses may include classes in English as a Second Language (ESL), computer skills, business management, and more. These courses aim to help inmates acquire knowledge and skills that can be applied in various industries and improve their chances of finding employment upon release.
Overall, the educational and vocational training programs offered at South Woods State Prison provide inmates with valuable opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge, which can help them succeed upon release. These programs are an essential component of the prison’s efforts to reduce recidivism and promote successful reentry into society.
Healthcare and Support Services
South Woods State Prison offers a range of healthcare and support services to its inmates. These services are designed to ensure that the inmates receive the necessary medical attention and support during their incarceration. The following sub-sections provide more information about the healthcare and support services offered at South Woods State Prison.
Palliative Care Unit
The Palliative Care Unit at South Woods State Prison is designed to provide end-of-life care to inmates who are terminally ill. The unit is staffed with trained medical professionals who are equipped to manage pain and other symptoms associated with terminal illnesses. Inmates who are admitted to the Palliative Care Unit receive specialized care and attention to ensure that they are comfortable during their final days.
Chronic Diseases
South Woods State Prison provides medical care to inmates with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. The medical staff at the prison is trained to manage these conditions and provide the necessary medication and treatment to the inmates. The prison also has a Chronic Care Clinic that provides specialized care to inmates with chronic diseases.
Detention Beds
South Woods State Prison has a detention unit that is equipped with detention beds for inmates who require medical attention. Inmates who are admitted to the detention unit are monitored closely by medical staff to ensure that they receive the necessary care and attention.
Extended Care Unit
The Extended Care Unit at South Woods State Prison is designed to provide long-term medical care to inmates who require ongoing treatment for chronic conditions. The unit is staffed with trained medical professionals who are equipped to manage complex medical conditions.
NJDOC
The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) oversees the healthcare and support services provided at South Woods State Prison. The NJDOC is responsible for ensuring that the prison complies with state and federal regulations regarding inmate healthcare.
Commissary
South Woods State Prison has a commissary that provides inmates with access to personal hygiene items, snacks, and other goods. Inmates can purchase these items using funds from their commissary account.
In conclusion, South Woods State Prison provides a range of healthcare and support services to its inmates. These services are designed to ensure that the inmates receive the necessary medical attention and support during their incarceration. The prison is staffed with trained medical professionals who are equipped to manage complex medical conditions and provide specialized care to inmates with chronic diseases. The NJDOC oversees the healthcare and support services provided at the prison to ensure that they comply with state and federal regulations.