New Jersey Assembly Bill AR109

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/24
• Refer: 2/22/24

Caption

Establishes Prison Gang Violence Task Force to study security and safety in State correctional facilities.

Impact

The task force's creation signals a legislative effort to enhance security protocols in correctional environments. It is set to evaluate training adequacy, equipment availability, and intelligence methods currently employed in state facilities. By previous accounts, conditions in these facilities have raised serious safety concerns, necessitating a comprehensive review of practices and the introduction of new strategies to combat gang influence and the associated risks during prison operations.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 109 establishes the Prison Gang Violence Task Force aimed at studying security and safety within New Jersey's correctional facilities. This decision comes in response to findings from previous reports indicating a rise in gang violence and gang-affiliated inmates. The task force will address critical issues regarding the safety of correctional officers and staff, examining the effectiveness of current programs and policies related to gang activity in prisons. It will consist of 11 members with diverse expertise, including correctional police officers and specialists in gang-related matters.

Contention

Some notable issues that the task force will explore include the prevalence of disruptive behavior among inmates, the efficacy of emergency response training, and the current practices related to investigating incidents of violence. Critics of the existing measures argue that these factors contribute significantly to an unsafe environment for staff and inmates alike. There are expectations for transparency and public engagement in the process, indicating that findings will not only be reported to the legislature but shared with the community as well.