The New Jersey Senate recently approved legislation sponsored by Senator Doug Steinhardt that would institute a 10-minute shift overlap in correctional facilities and provide a one time salary increase to correctional police officers.

The NJ Senate recently approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Doug Steinhardt that would institute a 10-minute shift overlap in correctional facilities and provide a one time salary increase to correctional police officers. (SenateNJ.com)

“Shift overlap enhances the safety and well-being of the officers and inmates in correctional facilities by allowing for the sharing of information between incoming and outgoing officers, particularly on issues such as contraband,” said Steinhardt (R-23). “The elimination of shift overlap over the years has resulted in increased danger to inmates and officers, increased use of institutional lockups and search details, and decreased morale among correctional staff. By reinstating this policy, we will dramatically improve safety and security in these facilities.”

Under Steinhardt’s bill, S-3839, a correctional police officer whose shift has ended would be required to remain at his or her post for 10 minutes after the end of the shift to report what happened during that shift to the incoming officer.

As compensation for working the shift overlap, all correctional police officers will receive a one-time, three percent salary increase.

S-3839 was approved by the New Jersey Senate 36-0 on June 26.