The Department of Corrections is committed to ensuring public safety, rehabilitating the incarcerated and functioning in an efficient, cost-effective manner.

Special Investigations Division

The Special Investigations Division (SID) is responsible for investigations into violations of the laws of the State of New Jersey and violations of the administrative code for the NJDOC by inmates, employees and those individuals who visit NJDOC facilities.

The SID is represented at each facility, where investigators not only conduct all criminal and administrative investigations, but also act as Department of Corrections liaisons to all law enforcement agencies. SID investigators regularly conduct cooperative investigations in conjunction with federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies. SID investigators are called on to provide expert witness testimony in state and federal courts on a regular basis.

SID investigators receive ongoing technical training in an effort to maintain the department's ability to keep pace with the ever-changing criminal atmosphere. The division has expanded its role within the NJDOC with the establishment of several specialized units. These units have vaulted the SID into the forefront as a state-of-the-art correctional investigative unit.

• Drug Interdiction Unit -- The unit was formed in conjunction with the department's "Zero Tolerance" drug policy. The unit employs the Ionscan computerized drug detection machine to collect and analyze microscopic particles of up to 15 narcotics and up to one-billionth of a gram. Along with the obvious deterrent to drug activity, the NJDOC has made numerous seizures of controlled dangerous substances and witnessed a significant decrease in drug-related inmate disciplinary charges.
• Intelligence Unit -- The unit is nationally recognized as a leader in correctional gang intelligence. The gang member identification process and gang database, developed by the Intelligence Unit, are the cornerstones of the Security Threat Group Management Unit (STGMU) at Northern State Prison in Newark. The STGMU has become recognized as one of the most effective gang management programs in the country, and some states have expressed interest in using the program as a model for addressing their gang management problems. In fact, investigators assigned to the Intelligence Unit have provided gang identification training to thousands of law enforcement professionals in New Jersey and many other states.
• Fugitive Unit -- Investigators assigned to this unit have worked with dozens of agencies throughout New Jersey and beyond in an effort to remove escaped offenders from the streets. The department's Fugitive Unit continues to work jointly with the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit and the U.S. Marshal's Office. This unit has been extremely successful, and numerous cooperative apprehensions have been made.
• Computer Forensic and Polygraph Unit -- The unit is responsible for the forensic analysis of computers and computer storage devices related to computer crimes or violations of the department's microcomputer policy. SID investigators continue to provide expert law enforcement skills to the NJDOC as polygraphists and document examiners.

Disciplinary Hearing Unit

This unit provides hearing officers to all state correctional facilities to adjudicate inmate disciplinary charges in a timely and efficient manner, in accordance with the United States Supreme Court's decision in Wolff v. McDonnell.

Equal Employment Division

The Equal Employment Division (EED) is responsible for ensuring that the NJDOC provides its employees with a workplace free from all forms of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

The EED monitors compliance of this policy through investigation of complaints filed by employees regarding discrimination or harassment based on an individual's membership in a protected class, such as gender, race or religion. During the 2002 fiscal year, the EED received 262 complaints, formal and informal. Following an investigation, employees who are found to have engaged in acts of discrimination, harassment or retaliation are subject to administrative remedies, including disciplinary action.

The EED also represents the NJDOC in external discrimination claims before the Division of Civil Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In addition, the division is responsible for keeping all staff updated on policies and procedures through the distribution of documents as well as educational workshops and classes.

Office of External Affairs

The Office of External Affairs serves as a link between the Department of Corrections, the Office of the Governor, the Legislature and other state departments. It is the responsibility of the office to monitor proposed legislation, research its impact and present the NJDOC's position to the sponsoring legislator or the committee considering the legislation.

In addition, the office is responsible for researching and responding to inquiries submitted by state and federal legislators on behalf of their constituents. Tours of the NJDOC's various institutions are routinely provided to legislators and their staff by the Office of External Affairs, and arrangements are made for summer interns throughout state government to spend a day visiting institutions and learning about the department.

Office of the Ombudsman

The office provides a concerned medium within which inmates can seek redress for problems and complaints outside of established operational units. The office functions independently from the administration of the operational units; this detachment enables the development of trust, confidentiality and objectivity between the ombudsmen and inmates. In considering any given instance or concern, the interests and rights of all parties who might be involved are taken into account.

This office supplements, but does not replace, the Department of Corrections' existing resources for conflict resolution. The Office of the Ombudsman also reviews rules, regulations, standards, policies, procedures and practices to ensure they are consistent with federal and state guidelines, the Civil Rights Act and New Jersey's Code of Criminal Justice.

The ombudsman and assistant ombudsmen regularly visit the correctional facilities, satellite units and community-based programs to ensure that the living conditions are adequate and to allow the incarcerated the opportunity to be heard and impartially evaluated.

Office of Public Information

The Office of Public Information is responsible for providing information regarding NJDOC events, programs, functions, services and activities to the media, other governmental agencies and the public. The office promotes public awareness of the functions of the Department of Corrections through a web site, the Inside Corrections newsletter, annual reports and promotional materials.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF

Correctional Staff Training Academy

The Office of Training provides corrections personnel with the skills necessary to successfully complete their tasks and to administer the care, custodial treatment and social reintegration of adult offenders committed to correctional facilities in New Jersey.

In order to qualify for admission into the Correctional Staff Training Academy, applicants must complete a three-phase pre-employment process that includes a psychological examination. The NJDOC is phasing in a new form of psychological testing designed to indicate the emotional state, general disposition and professional ethics of applicants. It is an approach that has been successfully utilized by increasing numbers of law enforcement agencies.

Two state laws help to define the bureau's mission: the Police Training Act, which mandates training for state and county correction officers and state parole officers, and the Gun Control Act, which requires firearms qualification training for all state and county correction officers and state parole officers. The legislation obligates the Police Training Commission to approve the basic state curriculum and county officer recruit training programs as well as firearms training programs. The Office of Training has codified and standardized the curriculum and expanded the content and duration of the basic training. After completing the required courses, each officer receives a basic training diploma from the Department of Corrections and receives certification from the Police Training Commission.

The Department of Corrections training facility was relocated in September 1998 from the New Jersey Training School for Boys in Skillman to the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt. The programs offered are designed to develop and enhance the skills of employees who need to perform various components of their jobs and to prepare for future advancement while presenting a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to training. To augment the staff, adjunct instructors are utilized from state correctional facilities and various law enforcement agencies.

The Office of Training is organized into the following units:

• The Academy -- The Academy conducts basic training for state correction and parole officers with instructors who are certified by the Police Training Commission. Training classes include arrest, search and seizure, use of force, criminal law, first aid and CPR, weaponry, physical training, security concepts, human relations and professional development. The Standards Group within the Academy develops and implements guidelines, curriculum and standards of operation for both basic training and the In-Service Training Program. This unit also is responsible for overseeing the methods of instruction and stress management courses by the Office of Training.
• The In-Service Training Unit -- This unit is responsible for overseeing the in-service training program for all custodial personnel assigned to the department. Training is conducted at three regions: Southern, Central and Northern New Jersey. Custodial and civilian personnel receive training in all areas pertaining to their job activities, along with mandated federal and state training. The in-service training program is updated and revised on a yearly basis to keep pace with the goals of the department.
• The Recruitment Unit -- This unit, which is attached to the Bureau of Training, is responsible for the recruitment and hiring process of future correction and parole officers. The Recruitment Unit staff visits colleges, universities, schools and job fairs throughout the state to promote career opportunities within the Department of Corrections.

College credit is available for the majority of the Academy's course offerings. These credits are transferable to any of the two-year or four-year colleges and universities in New Jersey or elsewhere.

Total Efficiency Accountability Management System

Total Efficiency Accountability Management System (TEAMS) is the division focusing on field audits of various sites. Monthly meetings are held with facility administrators and their executive staff to critique all areas of facility management and develop new strategies and action plans.