Northern State Prison: A Deep Dive into Life Behind Bars

Northern State Prison, located in Newark, New Jersey, is a correctional facility situated in Essex County. It offers a comprehensive range of custodial care services for offenders with varying custody levels. This article explores the various units within the prison, inmate programs, visiting hours, and essential contact information.

Units at Northern State Prison

Northern State Prison accommodates a diverse population of inmates with different supervision needs. The facility consists of the following units:

1. General Population Unit

The general population unit provides housing for inmates who require standard supervision. It caters to offenders with diverse backgrounds and custody levels.

2. Administrative Close Supervision Unit

The administrative close supervision unit is specifically designed for inmates who necessitate intensive monitoring. This unit ensures strict control and security measures are in place for individuals with higher risk factors.

3. Therapeutic Community Unit

The therapeutic community unit focuses on providing specialized treatment programs for inmates dealing with substance abuse issues. It offers a supportive environment for rehabilitation and recovery.

4. Special Needs Unit

The special needs unit caters to inmates with specific medical, psychological, or behavioral requirements. It aims to address their unique needs and ensure appropriate care is provided.

Inmate Programs and Opportunities

Northern State Prison recognizes the importance of inmate programs and offers a variety of opportunities for personal growth and development. Some of the programs available include:

1. Community Service Activities

Inmates classified as minimum security have the opportunity to participate in community service activities. This involvement allows them to contribute positively to society and develop valuable skills.

2. Substance Abuse Treatment

The prison offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs. These programs aim to address the underlying issues contributing to addiction and support inmates on their path to recovery.

3. Security Threat Group Management

For inmates who have had gang affiliations, Northern State Prison provides a specialized program known as “Security Threat Group Management.” This program assists individuals in breaking free from gang influences and promotes a safer environment within the prison.

Visiting Hours at Northern State Prison

Visiting hours at Northern State Prison are dependent on the unit in which the inmate is housed. It is important to note the following visiting schedules:

Main Compound Inmates

• Saturdays and Sundays:
  • Morning session: 8:45am-10:45am (registration: 7:45am-8:45am)
  • Afternoon session: 12:45pm-2:45pm (registration: 11:45am-12:45pm)

Infirmary Inmates

• Sundays:
  • By appointment only: 8:30am-9:30am

Non-Contact Visitation

• By appointment only
• Call 973-465-0068 ext. 4204 on Fridays from 9:30am-3:30pm to schedule an appointment
• Visiting days: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
• Visiting hours: 5:30pm-7:30pm

Minimum Unit Inmates

• Saturdays and Sundays:
  • Morning session: 8am-10:30am (registration: 8am-9:45am)
  • Afternoon session: 12:30pm-3pm (registration: 12:30pm-2:15pm)

Administrative Close Supervision/Delta Unit

• By appointment only
• Call 973-465-0068 ext. 4150 Mondays-Fridays, 8am-2:15pm
• Visiting days: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
• Visiting hours:
  • Evening session: 5pm-6pm
  • Night session: 6:30pm-7:30pm

Contact Information

For any inquiries or correspondence, the following contact details are available:

• Physical Address: Northern State Prison 168 Frontage Road Newark, New Jersey 07114
• Telephone: (973)-465-0068
• Inmate Mailing Address: Inmate Name, ID Number Northern State Prison P.O. Box 2300 Newark, New Jersey 07114

History of Northern State Prison

Northern State Prison was founded in the early 1900s and has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the years. During its early years, the prison was known for its strict discipline and harsh living conditions. However, as society’s views on the criminal justice system evolved, so too did the policies and practices of Northern State Prison. The facility has undergone significant modernization in recent decades, incorporating cutting-edge security technologies and implementing new programs and services aimed at rehabilitation and reentry.

One of the most notable events in the history of Northern State Prison was a major riot in the 1970s, which resulted in significant damage to the facility and several casualties among both inmates and staff. This event prompted a review of prison policies and a renewed focus on improving conditions for inmates.

Life Inside Northern State Prison

Inmates at Northern State Prison are required to follow a strict daily routine, including designated times for meals, recreation, and work. The facilities at Northern State Prison have been updated in recent years to improve living conditions, but they still fall short of many prisoners’ expectations. Inmates often complain about overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to programs and services.

Despite these challenges, Northern State Prison offers a range of programs and services aimed at helping inmates prepare for life outside of prison. These include education and vocational programs, as well as rehabilitation programs aimed at addressing substance abuse and other issues. The prison also provides medical and mental health services to inmates, recognizing the importance of addressing these needs in order to support successful reentry into society.

Security Measures

Northern State Prison is equipped with a range of security measures designed to keep both inmates and staff safe. The perimeter of the facility is secured with multiple layers of fencing and other physical barriers, and all visitors and deliveries are subject to thorough screening procedures. Inmates are monitored constantly, with guards making regular rounds and utilizing surveillance technology to detect any signs of trouble.

In addition to these measures, Northern State Prison has implemented security protocols to protect employees, including mandatory training on handling potentially violent situations and regular drills to prepare staff for emergencies. These measures help to ensure a safe and secure environment for all those within the facility.

Controversies Surrounding Northern State Prison

Despite the efforts of Northern State Prison to provide a safe and secure environment, the facility has faced numerous controversies over the years. Human rights groups have accused the prison of violating the rights of inmates, including claims of mistreatment, excessive force, and inadequate medical care. Overcrowding and underfunding have also been a persistent issue, leading to substandard conditions and a lack of resources to provide essential services to inmates.

Furthermore, allegations of corruption and mismanagement at Northern State Prison have been a source of public concern. Despite investigations and reforms aimed at addressing these issues, problems continue to persist, leading to calls for more comprehensive and lasting solutions.

Reform Efforts

In response to these controversies, Northern State Prison has been the subject of numerous reforms aimed at improving conditions and addressing the needs of inmates. These efforts have included legislative changes aimed at improving funding and resources, as well as increased advocacy from community groups and private sector organizations.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of rehabilitation and reentry programs in reducing recidivism and promoting public safety. As a result, Northern State Prison has made significant investments in these programs, with positive results in terms of reducing recidivism and helping inmates successfully transition back into society.

Current Status of Northern State Prison

Today, Northern State Prison remains a critical component of the criminal justice system, housing a diverse population of inmates serving a range of sentences. Despite ongoing challenges and criticisms, the prison has made significant strides in recent years in improving conditions and providing essential services to inmates.

With a focus on rehabilitation and reentry, Northern State Prison is committed to helping inmates prepare for a successful future outside of prison walls. While there is still much work to be done, the prison is taking important steps to address the needs of its inmates and support their successful reintegration into society.

Conclusion

Northern State Prison is a complex and often controversial institution, with a rich history and a challenging present. From its strict early years to its modern focus on rehabilitation and reentry, Northern State Prison has undergone significant changes and faced numerous challenges along the way.

Despite these challenges, Northern State Prison remains a critical component of the criminal justice system, providing a secure and supportive environment for inmates as they work towards a better future. With ongoing reforms and a commitment to improvement, Northern State Prison is poised to continue to play a vital role in the years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the history of Northern State Prison?

Northern State Prison was founded in the early 1900s and has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the years. The prison has a rich history, including a major riot in the 1970s that prompted a review of prison policies and a renewed focus on improving conditions for inmates.

2. What is life like inside Northern State Prison?

Inmates at Northern State Prison are required to follow a strict daily routine, including designated times for meals, recreation, and work. While the facilities have been updated in recent years to improve living conditions, inmates still face challenges such as overcrowding and limited access to programs and services. Despite these challenges, Northern State Prison offers a range of programs and services aimed at helping inmates prepare for life outside of prison.

3. What programs and services are available to inmates?

Northern State Prison offers a range of programs and services aimed at helping inmates prepare for life outside of prison, including education and vocational programs, rehabilitation programs, and medical and mental health services. The prison is committed to addressing the needs of its inmates and supporting their successful reintegration into society.

4. What are the security measures in place at Northern State Prison?

Northern State Prison is equipped with a range of security measures designed to keep both inmates and staff safe. The perimeter of the facility is secured with multiple layers of fencing and other physical barriers, and all visitors and deliveries are subject to thorough screening procedures. Inmates are monitored constantly, with guards making regular rounds and utilizing surveillance technology to detect any signs of trouble. The prison has also implemented security protocols to protect employees.

5. What controversies have arisen surrounding Northern State Prison?

Northern State Prison has faced numerous controversies over the years, including human rights violations, overcrowding and underfunding, and allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Despite reforms and efforts to address these issues, challenges continue to persist, leading to ongoing calls for comprehensive and lasting solutions.