saturday, october 3

ESSEX COUNTY correctional facility
​civilian task force first public hearing

IMAGE: Essex County

Sat., Oct. 3

The Essex County Correctional Facility Civilian Task Force is holding it's first public hearing today and has livestreamed the event online. The Task Force is chaired by Former Governor Jim McGreevey, an avid advocate for the rights of incarcerated persons and for citizens returning from incarceration. The Task Force will act independently of County government.

​During the hearing, Task Force members and medical staff discuss the Essex County Correctional Facility (ECCF) medical and health administrative practices and policies. The Hearing can be viewed online here.

Speakers

• Jeran Crawford
  Newark Site Director
  NJ Re-Entry Corporation
  
• Judge Jose L. Linares
  Former Federal NJ District Court Chief Judge
  
• Alfaro Ortiz
  Director ECCF
  
• Dr. Lionel Anicette
  Medical Director ECCF
  
• Sandra Grant
  Director of Nursing ECCF
  
• Heidi Reifenberg
  Quality Assurance Coordinator, Medical Monitoring, ECCF
  
• Madaline Bell
  Human Services Administrator ECCF
  
  

This is the first of three public hearings scheduled to be held during 2020. Subsequent public hearings will focus on mental health and addiction treatment.

Authority of ECCF Civilian Task Force

• To inspect the ECCF
• To interview corrections officers, inmates, detainees
• To review systematic issues and concerns
  
  

ECCF Civilian Task Force Intent
According to the Task Force by-laws, the intent of the task force is to:

• Provide transparency and accountability of the ECCF staff
• Protect the lives, health, safety and rights of all people confined at the ECCF
• Ensure the conditions of their confinement are safe, sanitary, respectful and humane

Task Force Chairman and Former Governor Jim McGreevey
​
"The Task Force is committed to thoroughly and rigorously examining best medical practices. Saturday’s hearing will focus on how best to ensure and enhance the health and well-being of the persons we serve."

The nine members of the Task Force were nominated by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and appointed by the Board of Chosen Freeholders in June through an established advice and consent procedure that is used to fill vacancies on all county boards and commissions.

​Contact Essex County Correctional Facility Civilian Task Force: 

• JailTaskForce@admin.essexcountynj.org
• 973-877-8037

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