New Jersey State Prison

New Jersey State Prison
Aerial view of the prison in the 1940s
Map
Coordinates40°12′25″N 74°45′24″W / 40.20694°N 74.75667°W / 40.20694; -74.75667
StatusOperational
Security classMaximum
Capacity1,819[1]
Population1,620 (as of January 1, 2016 (2016-01-01))
Opened1836
(188 years ago)
 (1836)
Former nameTrenton State Prison
Managed byNew Jersey Department of Corrections
Street addressThird and Federal Streets
Trenton, NJ 08625
WebsiteNJ Department of Corrections

The New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), formerly known as Trenton State Prison, is a state men's prison in Trenton, New Jersey operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections. It is the oldest prison in New Jersey and one of the oldest correctional facilities in the United States. It is the state's only completely maximum security institution, housing the most difficult and/or dangerous male offenders in the inmate population. NJSP operates two security units and provides a high level of custodial supervision and control. Professional treatment services, such as education and social work, are a priority at the facility. The Bureau of State Use Industries operated the bedding and clothing shops that were once located in Shop Hall at the facility. These industries have been relocated to South Woods State Prison.

NJSP also housed New Jersey's death row for men and execution chamber until the state abolished capital punishment in 2007.[2] One notable inmate is Jesse Timmendequas, who was formerly on death row for the rape and murder of 7-year-old Megan Kanka. This crime inspired the passing of Megan's Law, which requires communities to be notified when a convicted sex offender moves into their area.

  1. ^ "Corrections" (PDF). New Jersey Dept. of Treasury. State of New Jersey. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  2. ^ Richburg, Keith (14 December 2007). "N.J. Approves Abolition of Death Penalty; Corzine to Sign". Washington Post. Retrieved 14 November 2014.