– On January 12, 2026, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey granted a
joint motion to terminate six critical sections of the federal consent decree overseeing the New Jersey
Department of Corrections (NJDOC). The order recognizes that the State has successfully implemented and
sustained sweeping reforms in areas ranging from high-tech surveillance to prisoner privacy and staff training.
The motion, filed jointly by the United States Department of Justice and the State of New Jersey, marks a turning
point in the oversight process that began in 2021. The Court found “good cause” to end federal monitoring in
these specific areas based on the Department’s documented progress.
“Today’s ruling is a powerful testament to the tireless dedication of our staff and our unwavering commitment
to upholding the safety and constitutional rights of every person in our care,” said Commissioner Victoria L.
Kuhn, Esq. “With 12 of the 17 sections now terminated, we have proven that these reforms are not just checklist
items, but are fundamental to our daily operations. While we celebrate these milestones, we remain focused on
completing our obligations and ensuring these standards serve as the permanent foundation for the NJDOC.”
Since 2021, the NJDOC has undergone a comprehensive transformation to meet the rigorous standards of the
Federal Monitor. Key successes cited in the motion to terminate include:
- Modernizing Surveillance & Safety: The Department invested $1.6 million in a state-of-the-art camera
system. Beyond hardware, the NJDOC fully implemented body-worn cameras for staff and established
strict weekly inspection protocols and video retention rules to ensure accountability. - Enhanced Training Standards: A new, federally approved training plan was launched, delivering trauma-
informed and gender-informed instruction to custody staff, civilians, and volunteers. This includes
practical, scenario-based training to ensure safety and dignity standards are applied in real-life
situations.
- Protecting Privacy & Dignity: Physical upgrades have been completed across facilities, including the
installation of privacy stalls for changing and confidential booths for legal and personal phone calls.
Policies now mandate trauma-informed strip search practices and expanded “cover-up”
announcements. - Preventing Retaliation: To ensure a culture of safety, the NJDOC established robust monitoring systems
to protect those who report sexual abuse or harassment. Ongoing education—including monthly staff
newsletters and prisoner education programs—reinforces confidentiality and reporting protections. - Expanding Language Access: For Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, the NJDOC introduced new
forms of identification to help staff instantly recognize language needs. The Department also ensured
that all disciplinary hearings include full interpretation and translated documentation. - Commitment to Transparency: The NJDOC has maintained a high standard of public accountability by
holding semi-annual public meetings, publishing regular compliance reports, and maintaining full
cooperation with the Federal Monitor.
On November 18, 2024, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey granted a joint motion to
terminate six substantive sections of the 2021 Consent Decree overseeing the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility.
The motion ended federal oversight in areas including: Prisoner Supervision, Prisoner Education, Reporting
Allegations of Sexual Assault, Response to Allegations of Sexual Assault, Physical Plant, and Implementation. This
request was granted based on the facility’s ability to achieve and maintain “substantial compliance” for at least
one year, as verified by five separate reports from the Federal Monitor.
For more information on the Settlement Agreement and Monitor Reports can be found here:
https://www.nj.gov/corrections/FederalMonitorReports/index.shtml.
with Stecklair, we submitted an OPRA asking how many rental properties there are in Gloucester City. Who are the biggest landlords? How much money does the city receive from rental properties, and other questions. Ten days later, CNBNews received a 46-page list containing the names of landlords and the addresses of rental properties, along with other information.



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