Federal judge ends oversight of 6 more areas of NJ Corrections consent decree, officials say

TRENTON, N.J. — A federal judge has terminated oversight of six sections of the federal consent decree governing the New Jersey Department of Corrections, citing reforms the state has implemented and sustained, officials said.

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey granted a joint motion on Jan. 12 to end monitoring of six sections of the decree, which has overseen the department since 2021. The motion was filed jointly by the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of New Jersey.

The court found “good cause” to end federal oversight in those areas, according to officials, who said the order reflects progress ranging from surveillance upgrades to privacy measures and staff training.

“Monday’s ruling is a powerful testament to the tireless dedication of our staff and our unwavering commitment to upholding the safety and constitutional rights of every person in our care,” said Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “With 12 of the 17 sections now terminated, we have proven that these reforms are not just checklist items, but are fundamental to our daily operations. While we celebrate these milestones, we remain focused on completing our obligations and ensuring these standards serve as the permanent foundation for the NJDOC.”

Officials said reforms cited in the motion include a $1.6 million investment in a new camera system, implementation of body-worn cameras for staff, and weekly inspection protocols and video retention rules.

They also cited a federally approved training plan with trauma-informed and gender-informed instruction for custody staff, civilians and volunteers, including scenario-based training.

Officials said the department has also completed physical upgrades across facilities, including privacy stalls for changing and confidential booths for legal and personal phone calls. Policies now mandate trauma-informed strip search practices and expanded “cover-up” announcements, officials said.

Other changes described by officials include monitoring systems intended to prevent retaliation against people who report sexual abuse or harassment, prisoner and staff education efforts, expanded language access for people with limited English proficiency, and transparency steps including semiannual public meetings and regular compliance reports.

In a separate order dated Nov. 18, 2024, the court granted a joint motion to terminate six substantive sections of the 2021 consent decree overseeing Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, officials said. Those areas included prisoner supervision, prisoner education, reporting allegations of sexual assault, response to allegations of sexual assault, the physical plant, and implementation, according to officials, who said the request was granted after the facility achieved and maintained “substantial compliance” for at least one year, as verified by five reports from the federal monitor.