Freeholders In Two South Jersey Counties Agree To Regionalize Prison Operations
By David Madden
WOODBURY, N.J. (CBS) - Freeholders in Gloucester and Cumberland Counties have approved a regionalization plan that will, in effect, close the Gloucester County Prison. Male inmates will be housed in Cumberland and perhaps Salem County as soon as this summer, although the idea could well be headed for a court challenge.
Juveniles and women are already housed out of the county. This move could save upwards of 10 million dollars a year. Gloucester County Freeholder director Rob Damminger vows to find every employee affected a job, if he can.
"The county will take all reasonable steps to avoid the loss of employment, but there is likely to be some corrections officers that are likely to be displaced."
As many as 70, according to union leaders who questioned why action was taken just days after the idea became public and though their attorney, suggest a lawsuit may be in the offing. Salem County did not act last night, opting to seek more information on the proposed 10 year contract.
