A Review of Reentry and New Jersey’s Response To COVID-19 Inside Prisons and Jails

• In Event: Rutgers at 50: Reentry and Reintegration

Abstract

COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the carceral system in the State of New Jersey. At the peak of this virus, 42 percent of all incarcerated individuals were infected, and prison inmates were twice as likely to die from this virus compared to that of the general population. In response to this virus, the New Jersey legislature took significant steps. In September 2020, New Jersey passed SB2519 into law, which allowed for the early release of select incarcerated individuals. This law led to over 2000 people being released from custody, with some individuals still being released today. This presentation will provide a brief review of a number of studies conducted as a result of this legislation. While research is ongoing, previous research has provided a host of lessons learned from the passage of this law. This presentation will close with a review of this upcoming research and practical implementation advice for future reentry efforts.

Author

• Anthony Azari, Rutgers University - Newark