Northern State Prison Information

Introduction to Northern State Prison

Northern State Prison is a maximum-security prison located in Newark, New Jersey, United States. The prison was opened in 1987 and has a capacity to hold approximately 2,700 inmates. It is operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections and is one of the largest prisons in the state. The prison is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff, with a focus on rehabilitation and providing inmates with the skills and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.

Facilities and Services

Northern State Prison offers a range of facilities and services to support the needs of inmates, including:

• Cellblocks: The prison has several cellblocks, each with multiple tiers of cells. Inmates are typically housed in single or double cells, depending on their security level and other factors.
• Recreation facilities: Inmates have access to recreational facilities, including a gym, outdoor recreation areas, and a library.
• Educational programs: The prison offers a range of educational programs, including GED preparation, vocational training, and counseling services.
• Health services: Inmates have access to medical and mental health services, including routine medical care, dental care, and counseling services.
• Food and nutrition: Inmates are provided with three meals per day, and the prison has a nutritionist on staff to ensure that meals meet dietary needs.

Security Measures

Northern State Prison has a range of security measures in place to ensure the safety and security of inmates, staff, and the community, including:

• Perimeter fencing: The prison is surrounded by a double layer of fencing, with razor wire and motion detectors to prevent escape.
• Surveillance cameras: The prison has a network of surveillance cameras, both inside and outside the facility, to monitor inmate activity and detect potential security breaches.
• Security patrols: Correctional officers conduct regular security patrols, both on foot and in vehicles, to monitor the perimeter and respond to any security incidents.
• Cell searches: Regular cell searches are conducted to detect and prevent the introduction of contraband into the prison.
• Visitor screening: All visitors to the prison are screened, including through the use of metal detectors and bag searches, to prevent the introduction of contraband.

Inmate Programs and Services

Northern State Prison offers a range of programs and services to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates, including:

Program	Description
Counseling services	Individual and group counseling to address issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and anger management.
Vocational training	Training in areas such as culinary arts, construction, and automotive repair to provide inmates with job skills.
Education programs	GED preparation, adult basic education, and post-secondary education programs to support inmate education and career goals.
Recreation programs	Recreational activities such as sports, fitness classes, and art programs to promote physical and mental well-being.

📝 Note: The availability of programs and services may vary depending on the inmate's security level, behavior, and other factors.

Visitation and Communication

Inmates at Northern State Prison are allowed to receive visits from family and friends, subject to certain rules and regulations. Visitors must be approved in advance and are required to follow prison rules and procedures. Inmates are also allowed to send and receive mail, and to make phone calls to approved numbers. The prison has a visitation schedule that is available on the New Jersey Department of Corrections website.

Inmates are also allowed to participate in video visitation, which allows them to communicate with family and friends remotely. This service is available through a third-party provider and is subject to certain rules and regulations.

Northern State Prison also has a mailroom where inmates can send and receive mail. Inmates are allowed to send and receive letters, packages, and other mail, subject to certain rules and regulations.

Conclusion Summary

In conclusion, Northern State Prison is a maximum-security prison that provides a range of facilities and services to support the needs of inmates. The prison has a focus on rehabilitation and providing inmates with the skills and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. With its range of programs and services, including educational programs, vocational training, and counseling services, Northern State Prison is an important part of the New Jersey correctional system.