N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:31-3.6

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 10A:31-3.6 - Minimum requirements for housing units and dayroom areas

(a) All single occupancy cells shall contain a minimum of 35 square feet of unencumbered floor space.

(b) All multiple occupancy sleeping units shall contain a minimum of 25 square feet of unencumbered floor space per inmate.

(c) Each single occupancy cell or multiple occupancy sleeping unit shall be equipped with the following:

1. A steel detention type bunk for each occupant which is securely fastened to the floor or wall or both and is capable of accommodating a standard fire retardant mattress;

2. A detention type toilet and lavatory with drinking font, serviceable from outside the cell or multiple occupancy sleeping unit;

3. A steel shelf or storage area for personal items;

4. An unbreakable mirror securely mounted with tamper-proof screws;

5. A writing surface affixed to the wall or floor with a proximate area to sit; and

6. Detention type ventilation and exhaust grills and registers.

(d) Depending on the size of the facility, one or more isolation, detention or segregation cells shall be constructed to detain violent and destructive inmates. These cell(s) shall contain:

1. A minimum of 70 square feet in floor space area;

2. A metal bunk firmly affixed to the wall, floor or both which is capable of accommodating a standard fire retardant mattress;

3. A security tamper-proof recessed light; and

4. A stainless steel toilet and lavatory sanitary unit serviceable from outside the cell via a plumbing chase.

(e) Cell and multiple-occupancy sleeping unit walls shall be at least six-inch reinforced concrete or eight-inch concrete block containing vertical reinforcement rods with all voids filled solid with concrete.

(f) Cell and multiple occupancy sleeping unit ceilings shall be pre-cast concrete plank or reinforced concrete and shall be a minimum of eight feet in height.

(g) Multiple occupancy sleeping units in new and existing facilities shall have no less than two inmates and no more than 64 inmates per unit. Each unit shall have a minimum of 25 square feet of unencumbered floor space per inmate, a minimum ceiling height of eight feet and adequate space for lockers.

(h) Doors of cells and multiple occupancy sleeping units shall be detention-type hollow metal with a vision port of security glazing and secured with a detention-type locking device. Where deemed appropriate, food passes shall be installed.

(i) The minimum ratio of toilets, wash basins and mirrors in multiple occupancy sleeping units shall be:

1. One toilet for every 12 inmates in male sleeping units (one half of these toilets may be urinals);

2. One toilet for every eight inmates in female sleeping units;

3. One operable wash basin with hot and cold running water for every 12 inmates; and

4. One unbreakable mirror per wash basin.

(j) All adult county correctional facilities shall have dayrooms. The dayroom areas shall contain 35 square feet of floor space per inmate, exclusive of lavatories, showers and toilets, for the maximum number of inmates who can use the dayroom at one time. The dayroom area shall be separate and distinct from the sleeping area, but immediately adjacent and accessible therefrom. Exterior light and view shall be provided.

(k) Dayrooms shall provide sufficient seating, writing, and eating surfaces for every inmate using the dayroom at one time. Dayroom furnishings shall be consistent with the custody level of the inmates assigned.

(l) A qualified inmate with a disability shall be housed in a manner that provides for his or her safety, security and accessibility to facility programs or activities. Rooms, sleeping units, or housing units shall be designed for use by qualified inmates with disabilities.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:31-3.6

Recodified from 10A:31-3.7 and amended by R.1995 d.421, effective 8/7/1995.
See: 27 New Jersey Register 1728(a), 27 New Jersey Register 2928(a).
Amended by R.2000 d.332, effective 8/7/2000.
See: 32 New Jersey Register 1894(a), 32 New Jersey Register 2945(a).
Deleted former (c); recodified former (d) through (m) as (c) through (l); and rewrote the new (g).