New Leader Of NJ Prisons Chosen Amid Reports Of Inmate Abuse

NEW JERSEY — As the state wrestles with allegations of inmate abuse at its all-woman prison, Governor Phil Murphy selected Victoria Kuhn as the new Commissioner to take charge of all New Jersey prisons.

Kuhn has been serving as Acting Commissioner since June 2021 taking the place of former Commissioner Marcus O. Hicks. Hicks announced his resignation after a scathing investigation revealed multiple inmates were reportedly severely beaten by guards at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women. Read More: NJ Prison Closing After Women Inmates Were Beaten By Guards

"Since Victoria was first asked to lead the Department of Corrections, she has impressed myself and many others with her dedication to reform and integrity," said Murphy. "As a career corrections staffer, Victoria has the experience and knowledge to lead the Department during this pivotal time. I look forward to her confirmation by the Senate and to continuing our prison reform efforts together."

As part of her role, Kuhn is responsible for a budget of nearly $1 billion, about 8,000 employees, and the oversight of about 13,000 state-sentenced people housed across 11 correctional facilities, county jails, and community halfway houses.

"I do not take this honor - or responsibility - lightly. This is the time for new beginnings - to launch new reform and reintegration initiatives, to ensure dignity and safety for our female offenders, and to establish mission-critical relationships with outside stakeholders and advocates. Equally important, we must recognize and re-invest in our dedicated staff, their welfare, and training, as they are integral to the success of the mission of the Department. We have much work to do, and I am proud to be a part of this extraordinary team," said Kuhn.

Kuhn still needs to be confirmed by the state Senate before her position is permanent.

Reports of women inmates being severely beaten at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women began to crop up in January 2021. Read More: 3 Officers Charged After Women Inmates Beaten At NJ Prison

Since then about 20 correctional officers have been charged including five this past December. Read More: 5 More Face Charges After Women Inmates Beaten At NJ Prison

An investigation was also launched by Murphy to look into violent attacks reported on Jan. 11 and 12 at the women's correctional facility.

These attacks included one inmate who was pepper-sprayed before five correctional officers entered her cell. She was then reportedly punched with a closed fist about 28 times in the face area while she was pressed against the cell wall. The woman had serious bodily injuries including a concussion and facial injuries. Read More: 3 Officers Charged After Women Inmates Beaten At NJ Prison

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