A MESSSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER

Growth, determination, innovation, and accomplishment defined the work of the New Jersey Department of Corrections this past year and I thank the men and women of the Department, whose integrity, dedication and commitment fulfill our critical mission. Even on its best day, corrections is challenging. Dedicated custody and civilian staff, investigators, senior staff and the leadership team show up day-in and day-out, to do a job that few could do, and do it well. Their tremendous work is transforming lives and enhancing the public safety of this great state.

In 2024, we recognized the importance of creating lasting and meaningful reform that prioritized the operation of safe and secure facilities while establishing an environment that addresses the treatment and needs of the population, ensuring that individuals who leave the custody of the NJDOC are poised for successful integration into the community. Together, we advanced the priorities and mission of the Department, including continued efforts to provide dignity, safety, and resources to our female population; investing in staff through recruitment and retention of a well-trained, healthy and diverse workforce; ensuring educational and programming resources and wraparound services for the population entrusted to our care; making critical investments in safety and security technologies to enhance existing efforts; investing in infrastructure to ensure necessary and appropriate conditions; and enhancing communication through shift overlap, expanded email access, newsletters and online resources.

Throughout 2024, we remained steadfast in our commitment to strengthening our essential community and building mission-critical relationships within the NJDOC, among staff, the population, and external stakeholders to support our staff, the population and the citizens of New Jersey. In doing so, we remain committed to advancing policies, procedures and innovations that elevate this Department as a national leader and model for prison management, safety, security, reform and reintegration.