New Jersey Department of Corrections

NJDOC Frequently Asked Questions

The New Jersey Department of Corrections provides this resource to assist families, advocates, and the public in navigating the correctional system. Access to clear and accurate information is essential for understanding departmental operations and maintaining connections with incarcerated individuals.

The categories below offer detailed information regarding facility protocols, safety standards, and the resources available for successful reentry. Please select a topic to view specific answers to commonly asked questions.

The criteria for determining custody levels and housing assignments are based on objective risk assessments and behavioral history. This section explains the review process for these placements and the protocols used to identify and protect vulnerable individuals.

Classification and Housing

Classification and Housing
How does NJDOC decide where a person is housed and at what security level?	Objective risk assessment is completed at intake. The Objective Classification Score (OCS) guides custody and housing. The Institutional Classification Reception Committee meets in person with the incarcerated person to consider OCS, sentence length, offense, age, psychological/medical needs, and bed availability.
How often are classification and housing decisions reviewed?	OCS is valid for at least six months. Reviews occur at least yearly or more frequently if needed.
What role does behavior or program participation play in housing decisions?	Behavior and program participation play an important role in housing decisions, which are guided by objective classification systems used to determine custody status, ranging from maximum security to community-based, lower custody, or restorative housing. When an incarcerated person remains free of infractions or charges, it positively impacts their classification score, which can lower their overall custody level and increase opportunities for additional privileges and programming. Conversely, disciplinary actions can negatively affect their classification score and may result in a close or maximum-custody designation. This can lead to stricter housing placements in higher-security facilities, as well as reduced privileges and limited access to programs.
What can someone do if they believe their housing placement is unsafe or inappropriate?	Incarcerated persons have multiple avenues to report concerns and seek assistance. For immediate issues, they should report unsafe conditions directly to a senior correctional police officer, custody supervisor, or facility administration. If the matter is not urgent, they may file a formal grievance or submit a request for a classification review. For concerns involving sexual abuse or harassment, incarcerated persons can utilize reporting procedures under the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Additionally, they have the option to file complaints with the Office of the Ombudsperson for further review and support.
How are vulnerable individuals identified and protected?	The New Jersey Department of Corrections identifies vulnerable individuals through intake assessments, screenings, and interviews upon arrival utilizing several different factors/categories. This assessment can continue throughout their incarceration. Protection is managed through specialized housing assignments for incarcerated persons at risk of harm and to prevent retaliation.
How does NJDOC handle housing moves after incidents or conflicts?	After an incident or conflict, all housing moves are determined based on the totality of the circumstances. These moves may be made on an emergency or investigative basis, and can include placement in specialized housing units. Such housing options are utilized to support proper investigative processes and, when necessary, the implementation of appropriate disciplinary measures.
How can families or advocates raise concerns about housing placements?	Families and advocates can raise concerns about NJDOC housing placements through several channels. They may contact the facility’s administration directly or reach out to Central Office Headquarters for further assistance. Concerns can also be submitted through the NJDOC website using the “Email Us” feature. Additionally, families and advocates may contact or write to the Office of the Ombudsperson or reach out to the Department’s Special Investigations Division.

This section outlines the procedures for managing personal assets and purchasing essential goods while incarcerated. It provides guidance on electronic fund deposits, commissary schedules, and the formal process for addressing property claims or transfers.

Property, Money, and Commissary

Property, Money, and Commissary
How is money received?	Incarcerated persons’ families can deposit funds electronically. Please click here for instructions: New Jersey Department of Corrections
What can be purchased through commissary?	Commissary offers personal hygiene items, snacks, writing materials, and other approved personal items as listed in each facility’s commissary catalog.
How often can someone order from commissary?	Ordering schedules vary by facility and custody level. Typically, incarcerated persons may place orders weekly, but facility staff provide exact schedules.
What happens if property goes missing or is damaged?	Property issues are addressed through a claims process. Incarcerated persons must initiate a claim within 21 calendar days of loss, damage, or destruction. Claims are investigated and reviewed by the institutional property claim review committee within 60 calendar days. Approved claims are forwarded to the Administrator and the Office of Financial Management. Denied claims result in a written notification to the incarcerated person.
Are there limits on property items?	Yes. Each correctional facility has a written list of permissible personal property items and the quantity of each item that an incarcerated person may possess. This list is published in the Incarcerated Person Handbook for each facility. Limits exist for safety, security, and compliance with fire codes.
How is property handled during transfers?	When an incarcerated person is transferred to another facility, their personal property is inventoried and packed by custody staff. Property is transported to the receiving facility within seven business days. The receiving facility inspects, verifies, and distributes the property. Non-permissible property may be: mailed home, given to a visitor, donated to charity, or destroyed.
What happens to property at release?	Incarcerated persons may take property with them or arrange for it to be sent home at their expense. Property may also be picked up within 30 calendar days of release. After 60 days, remaining property is donated, retained for facility use, or destroyed.
How long does it take to resolve property issues?	Claims are investigated within 60 days by the property claim review committee, which meets twice per month. Approved claims are forwarded to appropriate offices within 30 days. Denials are communicated in writing.

Information regarding medical, dental, and behavioral health services is provided to ensure transparency in care standards. This summary explains how to request treatment, how mental health crises are managed, and the methods families can use to communicate healthcare concerns.

Health and Mental Health

Health and Mental Health
How does an incarcerated person request medical or mental health care?	Incarcerated persons can request health care services beyond their treatment plan through a Health Services Request Form on their unit and/or through their electronic tablet.
How quickly should someone expect to be seen after submitting a request?	All requests are screened by nursing staff. Urgent issues may be addressed within 24 hours; less urgent matters are typically addressed within 7 days.
What happens if a medical issue gets worse while waiting for care?	Incarcerated persons may access urgent or emergency care by alerting officers or submitting a Health Services Request Form.
How does NJDOC care for people with chronic illnesses or disabilities?	Through University Correctional Health Care (UCHC), providers deliver individualized care for chronic medical conditions. Facilities offer comprehensive medical, mental health, and dental services. When services are unavailable on-site, referrals are made to community providers. ADA accommodations are applied as documented.
What mental health services are available for people experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma?	Referrals for counseling or therapy may be requested via the health services request process. Interventions may include individual or group counseling and/or medication, as deemed appropriate by the mental health treatment team.
How are mental health crises handled inside facilities?	Incarcerated persons experiencing a crisis are assessed by mental health staff and placed in the appropriate level of care, including suicide watch or specialized mental health units.
How can families address concerns about a loved one’s medical or mental health care?	Family members or loved ones with concerns regarding an incarcerated person’s healthcare may contact the University Correctional Health Care Patient Advocate. Phone: (609) 292-4036, ext. 5061 (voicemail only) Email: PatientAdvocate@ubhc.rutgers.edu Due to HIPAA regulations, individual responses are not provided; however, all inquiries are reviewed and investigated as appropriate.
How does NJDOC monitor and improve the quality of healthcare services?	All NJDOC facilities are accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). The Health Care Compliance Unit provides ongoing oversight and monitoring of UCHC services across the system.

This category details the various methods available for maintaining contact with family and friends, including mail, phone calls, and video visits. It addresses common reasons for service delays and directs users to resources for managing communication costs and policy updates.

Communications

Communications
What communication options are available for incarcerated persons to stay in touch with family and friends?	Options include electronic messaging (email), physical mail, photo sharing, videograms, video visitation, and telephone calls. Each method promotes connection while maintaining safety.
How often can someone make phone calls or send messages?	Access depends on housing unit, custody level, and schedule. Facility staff provide specifics.
Why do communication services sometimes experience delays or interruptions?	Delays may occur due to weekends, holidays, postal timelines, vendor issues, or screening for facility rules compliance.
How are communication costs set, and what options exist to reduce financial strain on families?	Rates are contractually established and regulated. Families may check the NJDOC website or contact providers for cost-saving programs.
How is mail handled, and how long should delivery usually take?	Mail is screened at processing centers and typically delivered within one week, subject to volume, holidays, or operational factors.
What happens if mail or electronic messages are lost or rejected?	Violating items are returned. Lost items can be reprinted and resent once reported to the vendor.
How are changes to communication policies shared with families?	Updates are posted on the NJDOC public website.
Who can families contact if they have ongoing communication issues?	Families should contact the facility, which escalates to the appropriate department or vendor if necessary.

Conditions of Confinement

Conditions of Confinement
What are typical daily routines in NJDOC facilities?	Facilities start with a morning count, breakfast, movement to programs (educational, vocational, recreational, religious), midday count, lunch, afternoon programs, evening count, dinner, and final lock-in.
How are meals provided and what dietary accommodations are available?	The NJDOC provides three meals daily. Centralized menus include therapeutic diets (Heart Healthy, 2400 Calorie, Gluten-Free, Renal, Allergy) and religious diets (Kosher, Vegetarian). Medical diets are accommodated; other preferences are not typically accommodated.
What recreation opportunities are available?	Outdoor areas, gyms, indoor programs, tablet-based digital resources, therapeutic and hobby groups. Participation depends on custody level and behavior.
How are sanitation and living conditions maintained?	Incarcerated persons maintain their cells daily. Scheduled cleaning, sanitation crews, and state inspections ensure hygiene and cleanliness.
What happens during a facility lockdown?	All incarcerated persons return to housing, meals are served in cells, counts continue, and administration communicates updates.
How are emergencies handled inside facilities?	Facilities follow emergency response policies, coordinate with staff experience and external agencies, and law enforcement staff are trained as first responders with CPR/AED certification.

Safety and Disciplinary Systems

Safety and Disciplinary Systems
What steps does NJDOC take to keep people safe from violence or harassment?	Routine tours, emergency response to witnessed violence, specialized housing as needed, separation of individuals using the keep-separate system, reporting mechanisms via staff, phone, or electronic systems, and prosecution of serious crimes. (Reviewed by Special Investigations Division)
How are fights, threats, or safety concerns reported and investigated?	Reports can be made to any staff member, by phone, or electronically. Families can also report concerns. As is protocol, the Department conducts internal investigations to address the matter.
What is the disciplinary process when a rule violation is alleged?	The Department conducts an investigation, and when needed a disciplinary report is issued. Incarcerated persons may be placed in specialized housing pending outcome. Through the investigation, the Department may reduce, dismiss, or in some cases forward for a hearing before an independent hearing officer. Due process is guaranteed.
What rights does a person have during a disciplinary hearing?	Rights include 24-hour notice, impartial hearing officer, presenting witnesses/evidence, limited cross-examination, written statement of evidence and sanctions, counsel substitute representation, and use immunity for statements.
How is fairness ensured in disciplinary decisions?	Independent Hearing Officers receive training and review all decisions in writing. Counsel Substitutes monitor compliance and advocate for incarcerated persons. Appeals are allowed.
When is restrictive housing or segregation used, and for how long?	Restorative Housing Units (RHUs) are used for serious infractions, with at least four hours out-of-cell time. Special Administrative Review Committee conducts reviews; release may be early for pro-social behavior. Consecutive infractions may extend stay.
How does NJDOC monitor the impact of discipline on mental health?	All incarcerated persons on the Mental Health Special Needs Roster are evaluated every two weeks. Those not on the roster are screened every two weeks. Individuals with ongoing issues are moved to Mental Health units for intervention.
How can someone appeal a disciplinary decision they believe is unfair?	Appeals are submitted to the Administrative Designee within 48 hours (extensions allowed). Issues may include evidence, statutory compliance, explanation of decision, and sanctions. Final appeal should be submitted to the Appellate Division within 45 days.

Reentry Programs and Preparation

Reentry Programs and Preparation
When does NJDOC begin preparing someone for release?	Planning for release begins at intake. Enrollment in programs to support reentry can commence immediately.
What reentry programs are available to help people transition back into the community?	Programs include psychoeducational programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, academic and vocational training, and Residential Community Reintegration Programs (RCRP) for eligible individuals.
How does NJDOC help with finding housing after release?	Referrals are made to Locally Empowered, Accountable and Determined (NJLEAD)-funded community-based partners who assist with locating housing.
What employment or job training support is provided?	The Department offers employment readiness, resume assistance; NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) training through Office of Educational Services’ database of over 600 employers.
How does NJDOC help people obtain identification and important documents?	NJDOC offers assistance obtaining birth certificates, Social Security cards, and NJ non-driver ID cards via state and federal agreements.
What healthcare or mental health support is available after release?	All incarcerated persons who are receiving healthcare inside DOC are referred to a community provider. UCHC sets up an appointment for them in the community whether it is medical dental or mental health.
How does NJDOC coordinate with community organizations during reentry?	NJDOC funds 41 NJLEAD community partners for local assistance.
How does NJDOC monitor the performance of reentry programs?	NJDOC conducts quality assurance reviews and publishes an annual recidivism report.

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