Garden State Times

The New Jersey Senate has passed a significant measure sponsored by Senator Doug Steinhardt that aims to introduce a 10-minute shift overlap in correctional facilities. This legislation also includes a provision for a one-time salary increase for correctional police officers.

Senator Doug Steinhardt, representing the 23rd district, highlighted the importance of the shift overlap policy, stating, "Shift overlap enhances the safety and well-being of the officers and inmates in correctional facilities by allowing for the sharing of information between incoming and outgoing officers, particularly on issues such as contraband." He further emphasized the consequences of eliminating shift overlap, pointing out the increased risks faced by inmates and officers, higher usage of institutional lockups and search details, and decreased morale among correctional staff. Steinhardt expressed confidence that reinstating this policy would significantly enhance safety and security within correctional facilities.

The bill, known as S-3839, mandates that a correctional police officer must remain at their post for 10 minutes after their shift ends to brief the incoming officer on the occurrences during the previous shift. In return for working the shift overlap, all correctional police officers will receive a one-time three percent salary increase.

The New Jersey Senate unanimously approved the bill, S-3839, with a vote of 36-0 on June 26.