(TRENTON) – On Thursday, the Assembly Judiciary Committee and the Assembly Women and Children Committee held a hearing in regards to the allegations against the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for women. Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen) issued the following statement on the hearing:
“It is clear there are significant and alarming systemic issues at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. Taking advantage of one’s position of authority to abuse and violate others is deplorable. All those in the chain of command must be held accountable for their actions.
“The testimony we heard today, particularly from those previously incarcerated at Edna Mahan was heartbreaking and remarkably disturbing.
“The hearing held today was a step toward justice for the women who have been mistreated. It is clear that reforms must be made to facilities such as Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. Improvements in policy are absolutely necessary to remove the abhorrent behavior we have heard and read about, and right the wrongs that continue to take place at Edna Mahan.
“We must ensure the safety and dignity of all incarcerated people in our state. Today’s hearing will inform us in crafting legislation to ensure just that.”