Special Investigations Division

This division is responsible for investigations into violations of the laws of the State of New Jersey and/or violations of the administrative code for the Department of Corrections by inmates, employees and those individuals who visit DOC 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.

The division has grown and expanded its role within the department with the establishment of the following specialized units: Drug Interdiction Unit, Intelligence Unit, Fugitive Unit and Computer Forensic Unit.

Equal Employment Division

This division is responsible for investigating formal complaints regarding harassment, discrimination and retaliation against protected categories as defined by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). Additionally, the division investigates charges filed by employees through the Division on Civil Rights and/or the Equal Opportunity Commission. The Equal Employment Division also investigates reports/allegations of policy violations related to discrimination, harassment and hostile work environments.

The division proactively promotes a positive and diverse work environment free from discrimination and harassment which includes the principles of fairness, respect and equality of opportunity for all Department of Corrections employees and agents who conduct business with the department.

The division examines employment data (i.e. discipline and promotions) with respect to race and gender and tracks disparities among race and gender in areas of training, hiring and major disciplinary action to accomplish equality of work opportunity within the Department of Corrections.

Office of Public Information

This office is responsible for providing information regarding Department of Corrections events, programs, functions, services and activities to the media, other governmental agencies and the public. This office promotes public awareness of the functions of the Department of Corrections through the department's web site, a quarterly newsletter, annual reports and promotional materials.

Office of the Ombudsman

This 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. This office 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.