New Jersey Assembly Bill A2269

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Concerns sexual abuse investigations in State correctional facilities.

Impact

The bill also introduces strict guidelines on personal relationships among staff within correctional facilities. Corrections officers must disclose any personal relationships they have with facility staff, and they must recuse themselves from any investigations involving those individuals. Failure to comply with these rules could lead to significant fines ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, along with potential internal disciplinary actions by the Department of Corrections. This is aimed at maintaining the integrity of investigations and preventing conflicts of interest.

Summary

Bill A2269 addresses the procedures and training requirements for corrections officers involved in sexual abuse investigations within New Jersey's state correctional facilities. It mandates that officers assigned to the Special Investigations Division (SID) undergo specialized in-service training which covers several critical areas. These include techniques for interviewing sexual abuse victims, understanding the legal rights against self-incrimination, proper evidence collection in confinement settings, and criteria for substantiating cases for administrative or criminal prosecution.

Contention

Notably, the bill prohibits individuals serving as federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) compliance managers from taking on investigative roles within the SID. This provision is intended to eliminate potential biases and ensure that investigations are conducted by distinct personnel who are separate from compliance oversight, although it may lead to discussions about the interplay between compliance and investigatory roles. The bill emphasizes the seriousness of handling sexual abuse allegations and the need for clear protocols to ensure they are managed with the utmost professionalism and accuracy.