New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 10A - CORRECTIONS
Chapter 19 - NEWS MEDIA AND PUBLIC INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
Subchapter 2 - PUBLIC INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
Section 10A:19-2.5 - Emergency situations

(a) The Office of Public Information, New Jersey Department of Corrections, shall be informed of all incidents of an unusual nature, which occur at a correctional facility or involve inmates or staff, that may stimulate inquiries from the news media.

(b) In emergency situations, such as, but not limited to, disturbances; unusual or unexpected deaths or injuries to inmates, employees, volunteers or visitors; and escapes, the Administrator or designee shall immediately notify the appropriate Assistant Commissioner or designee, and at the direction of the Assistant Commissioner or designee, the Office of Public Information.

(c) After obtaining full information from the correctional facility, the Office of Public Information may release the pertinent facts to the news media with the approval of the Commissioner or designee.

(d) If it is determined that public knowledge of emergency situations or ongoing investigations would threaten the maintenance of order, safety, or security within a correctional facility, the Office of Public Information shall release information to the news media at a later more appropriate time.

(e) Information concerning the suspension of visiting programs within correctional facilities shall be disseminated in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10A:18-6, Visits.