N.J. Prison Policy Decried

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By Gloucester County Times

Published: 03/05/2003

A new anti-nepotism policy in state prisons has created a stir among employees, who contend it delves too far into their personal lives. The new guidelines issued by Corrections Commissioner Devon Brown would prohibit prison supervisors from having authority over any family member working in a state institution.
Also prohibited in the policy are 'consensual personal relations' between sergeants, lieutenants or captains and rank officers under their supervision. Critics contend the policy could prove disastrous in areas such as South Jersey, home to regional 'prison economies.'
'People in the southern areas are going to be effected the most,' said Robert Cardone, president of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Association, a sergeant's union. 'Not only will the consensual relations (requirements) be a factor, but there is also the familiar aspect.'
When the prisons opened from 1983 to 1997, they brought with them the promise of jobs.
In Cumberland County alone, the 3,446-capacity South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, Southern State Correctional Facility in Delmont and Bayside State Prison Leesburg are among the county's top employers.
A memo sent by Brown gives supervisors until Jan. 29 to report the ties. 'This is a violation of both our civil rights and constitutional rights. They are asking us to divulge information that is simply none of their business,' Cardone said.
Along with two other supervisor unions, the NJLEA is mounting a court challenge to the guidelines.
Those opposed to the new policy contend it amounts to an invasion of privacy, requiring them to report anything from dating to an extra-marital affair. Deirdre Fedkenheuer, spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections, said the issue is fairness.
'In nearly every professional organization, both in the public and private sector, the idea of a supervisor being related to or involved with someone who is a subordinate is not considered a professional relationship,' she said. 'It's just easier for everyone.'
The policy would govern approximately 6,000 prison officers and 4,000 civilian employees.
Gov. James E. McGreevey said the policy will not be carried over to other state agencies.
According to a Dec. 30 internal memo, the policy would prohibit family members such as grandparents, spouses, parents or siblings would be prohibited. Also against the rules are relationships such as cohabitation, engagement or other sexual affairs.
Along with unions representing lieutenants and captains, Cardone's union is challenging the new policy in court and with the Public Employees Relations Commission.
Cardone said the group advocates continuing the present policy of handling the cases separately.
State lawmakers are leery of the reporting requirements.
'Certainly we want everyone to be open and forthright,' said Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, D-Cumberland. 'But we have to be very wary before we do anything that can harm the employment base of the county.'
Both he and Assemblyman Douglas Fisher, D-Bridgeton, said the rules could be 'problematic.'
'Just because people rise up through the ranks and (work) with family members, I don't know if that is just cause to have them removed from their posts,' Fisher said.
Any supervisor found in violation of the reporting policy would lose state protection should a lawsuit arise.

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