New Jersey State Prison is in crisis. The past few months have been chaotic and tragic, with incidents of self-harm and suicides on the rise, showing no signs of stopping. In close custody, where security and monitoring are meant to be the strictest, two inmates—known as Rush and Cap—took their own lives. Under close watch, these individuals still lost hope, and their deaths are only two of many, with approximately 17 suicides in NJSP in recent months. The situation is growing increasingly dire as more lives are lost.

Since these tragedies began, at least eight officers have been let go for neglecting their duties. Yet, no real steps are being taken to prevent further tragedy. Oppressive policies and a severe lack of mental health support are weighing down on inmates, leaving many feeling hopeless. And while lives are slipping away, there are claims from both inmates and employees that NJSP officials are mismanaging funds, with alleged cases of embezzlement that divert money away from essential resources—resources meant to provide the support we desperately need.

These policies, and the lack of accountability, are a direct cause of many suicides within NJSP. We need change, real reform, and urgent accountability. I’m reaching out today to shed light on the harsh reality inside these walls, not only to honor those we’ve lost but to protect those still struggling to survive in this environment that feels anything but safe.

This message is coming to you through an artificial intelligence voice. The state of the phone system in NJSP is so poor that calls are barely audible and constantly dropped, even when we’re allowed to speak. This voice helps us cut through the silence and get the truth to you.