In response to Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement that he intends to close the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women due to ongoing reports of abuse, Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera (D-Camden, Gloucester), Chair of the Assembly Women and Children Committee, issued the following statement:
“The State Comptroller’s investigative report regarding the January 11th incident at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women is a disturbingly insightful look into the widespread issues that led to the abuse many prisoners have endured at the hands of correctional officers.
“The Assembly will work with our partners in government to ensure the closure of this facility is both efficient and equitable on behalf of the women currently incarcerated in Edna Mahan. This is one step among many we have been looking into in order to reform New Jersey’s prison system.
“The horrific abuse and assaults we have seen at Edna Mahan must not be allowed to happen elsewhere. Basic human rights must be protected for every person in every one of our correctional facilities. There’s more work to do.”
The Assembly Women and Children Committee will be meeting on Wednesday to consider six additional measures aimed at reforming the criminal justice system.