Civilian Oversight at Essex County Jail Public Comment 08/21/2019

Thank you to the two Freeholders who have engaged me on the topic of civilian oversight of the jail. I hope to still hear from the rest of you.

In addition to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General report findings there have been serious concerns raised in media reports about the county jail. These include several pending criminal investigations into assault, rape, and deaths by suicide in both the ICE and County units.

In response to the OIG report and these incidents the County Executive wants a civilian task force. But we need serious, comprehensive, solutions to ensure the safety of our prisoners. As recommended by the ACLU, we must enact a fully independent Civilian Oversight Committee. So I ask for a formal response to the following questions:
* Which Freeholders have spoken with the County Executive on the topic of Civilian Oversight of the jail?
* Which Freeholders have spoken with the ACLU on the topic of Civilian Oversight of the jail?
* Which Freeholders are willing to state they will not support any plan for oversight that does not meet the ACLU’s recommendations?

As I said last time, these are Joe D’s prisoners, your prisoners, our prisoners, my prisoners. We have a moral and ethical obligation to establish effective and empowered civilian oversight to ensure the punitive and rehabilitative portions our laws are enforced with integrity and humanity. Please tell the County Executive that you won’t enact anything that doesn’t implement the ACLU recommendations.