NCJ Number
74994
Date Published
1979
Length
70 pages
Annotation
This report details the proceedings of a public hearing conducted as part of an investigation of the security threat posed to the community by a minimum security trailer park outside of the walls of the New Jersey State Prison at Rahway.
Abstract
Testimony was taken from State legislators, county officials, local officials, and concerned citizens of the Woodbridge Township area which surrounds Rahway. The witnesses identified specific incidents of escape or other crimes committed in the community by minimum security inmates which impacted on the lives of community members. They asked for legislation defining minimum, medium, and maximum security prisons and providing tighter security for inmates in the prerelease programs. Some advocated total abolition of the minimum security in the residential area around Rahway. Correspondence between local officials and State officials was admitted into the record as exhibits, as were petitions to abolish minimum security programs signed by about 500 local residents, and a statement from the acting superintendent of Rahway concerning facilities and functions of the prison. The complete record was intended for use by the entire legislative committee as a basis for drafting legislation for change if approved.