New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson - Complaint Review Process

The New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson (OCO) page describes how it handles inquiries, complaints and investigations. The office addresses complaints about the living conditions and treatment of state-sentenced people held in state prison facilities or Residential Community Release Programs; it does not handle matters concerning people in county jails, which must go to the county jail warden or director, and its jurisdiction does not extend to federal agencies or the courts. Because of limited resources, staff prioritize by urgency, with healthcare and mental health concerns, safety and security concerns including fear of physical harm and sexual assault, mistreatment of vulnerable populations including LGBTI incarcerated persons, and systemic issues ranked highest. Investigations may include interviewing staff, reviewing institutional records, in-person interviews and visual inspection of living conditions. Incarcerated people, family members and other interested parties may remain anonymous on request, and the page states that incarcerated persons should not be subject to retaliation for contacting the OCO. The office is at P.O. Box 855, Trenton, NJ 08625, phone 609-633-2596.