The New Jersey Department of Corrections has completed the first phase of closing the troubled Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, the state’s only women’s correctional facility, Gov. Phil Murphy announced today.
All minimum security prisoners have been moved to the Edna Mahan Satellite Unit in Clinton, on the grounds of the now-closed William H. Fauver Youth Correctional Facility. The state is continuing to identify a site for a new correctional facility for women.
Murphy had ordered the closure of the prison in 2021 after a series of assaults on incarcerated women.
“For two years, our administration has worked in tandem with our partners in the Legislature and external stakeholders to determine the best way to safely and responsibly close the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. The completion of the first phase in this plan moves us closer to the full closure of the facility,” Murphy said. “The safety and well-being of our incarcerated population is of the utmost importance. As they continue to do the necessary work to rehabilitate their lives, our administration will continue to work to provide them a safe and secure environment to do so.”
The Murphy administration turned down an offer from Union County to take over their county jail, which would meet their capacity. That jail, which is less than 20-years-old, is currently empty.
The satellite union has a capacity of 385.
“The challenges with the aging facility at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility are well documented, and this partial closure is a critical first step in closing an outdated and deteriorating prison while reimagining the experience for the population and staff,” said Corrections Commissioner Victoria Kuhn. “While this relocation is temporary until a more modern and purpose-built facility can be constructed, the Satellite provides a better living and working environment with more normative conditions that are conducive to rehabilitation, reentry, and enhanced safety and security.”