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| Report Offers Sweeping Prison Plan in N.J. |
| By Trenton Times |
| Published: 11/25/2002 |
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An internal report that takes a broad look at the New Jersey Department of Corrections lays out a blueprint for sweeping changes that officials hope will make the state penal system the most progressive in the nation. The Oct. 30 report, written by the DOC Division of Administration, acknowledges that some of the proposals are very expensive, would take years to implement and face significant financial and political hurdles. The 'Preliminary Strategic Planning Document' identifies numerous issues that affect inmates, corrections officers and taxpayers. It proposes specific solutions to problems, sets time frames to accomplish goals and identifies potential obstacles to reaching each objective. In a prepared statement, DOC Commissioner Devon Brown said the programs and initiatives contained in the report reflect his philosophy on the need to rehabilitate inmates. 'It is incumbent upon the New Jersey Department of Corrections to provide substance abuse treatment, parenting programs and educational opportunities to ensure that a sober, gainfully employed and loving parent is released back into society,' he said. Among the proposals of keen interest to taxpayers is a call for new and refurbished prisons at a cost of 'hundreds of millions of dollars' to replace dilapidated and substandard facilities. Other recommendations call for the DOC to: -- Abandon the privatization of basic medical and dental care for inmates. * Develop full-time job and apprenticeship programs for inmates, most of whom are idle for much of each day. * Build a 450-bed unit for a burgeoning population of sex offenders who are committed to confinement after their criminal sentences expire. * Expand Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language programs. * Hire a mental health director. |
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