Here stands Northern State Prison. Imagine the lives contained within these walls. Northern State Prison is a state-run facility. It houses male offenders in Newark New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Corrections operates it. This prison isn’t just a place of confinement. It also offers opportunities for change.
Northern State Prison opened in 1987. It can house over 2600 inmates. The prison has various units. These units include general population and administrative close supervision. There is also a therapeutic community unit. A special needs unit exists as well. Minimum security inmates engage in community service.
The Security Threat Group Management Unit operates here. It treats inmates with gang affiliations. This helps maintain order within the prison.
Let’s talk about some notable figures who spent time here. Max B a rapper served 16 years starting in 2009. Larry Ray served six months in 2000. His charges included parole violation and bail jumping. Chuck Wepner the boxer served 17 months starting in 1988 for drug charges.
Northern State Prison provides more than just confinement. Inmates can work in the Bureau of State Industries. They can work in a bedding and clothing shop on the grounds. Offenders can receive substance abuse treatment.
Visiting hours vary. It depends on the inmate’s unit. Main Compound inmates have visits Saturdays and Sundays. Infirmary inmates have visits on Sundays by appointment only. Minimum Unit inmates have visitation on Saturdays and Sundays.
Even prisons seek improvements. Facility Solutions Group performed an LED lighting upgrade here. This upgrade covered interior and exterior lighting. The new lighting system didn’t disrupt prison operations. The outdoor lighting has a 100000-hour life. This reduces maintenance costs. The project also saved over $217000.00 a year in electric costs.
However not all stories are positive. In 2023 a corrections officer was indicted. Werner Gramajo allegedly smuggled contraband. He provided an inmate with cash jewelry and other items. He received bribe payments for this. The New Jersey Department of Corrections discovered the smuggling.
The officer smuggled contraband from December 2019 to January 2021. The contraband included cash cold cuts and cologne. Gramajo received regular payments of $500.
Northern State Prison stands as a complex institution. It balances security rehabilitation and the challenges of maintaining order. It strives to offer inmates a chance at change. It shows how intricate the criminal justice system can be.