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N.J. jail needs an outside monitor after inmates sound alarm about COVID conditions, judge rules
Updated May 06, 2021;
A special master will be appointed to oversee a New Jersey jail after inmates filed a class action lawsuit alleging the county and jail officials failed to properly protect them during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cumberland County has agreed to enter into a consent decree that will appoint a special master to oversee the jail and to pay all fees related to the ongoing supervision.
The special master will make a report to the court within 45 days of being appointed detailing their findings related to how the county handled the pandemic in its jail, as well as what can be done to improve its practices moving forward.
Rare trial underway to determine if N.J. jail did enough to protect inmates from COVID
Updated 10:57 AM;
A rare trial during the coronavirus pandemic got underway Tuesday after a group of inmates at the Cumberland County Jail filed a lawsuit alleging they have been held under inadequate conditions at the facility amid the health crisis, putting them at risk to the deadly effects of the virus.
At the core of the civil bench trial, which is being held virtually before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman, is whether the jail implemented policies to safeguard inmates during the pandemic, as well as if they were routinely tested for the virus. County and jail officials argue they have provided the necessary protective equipment to prisoners, and have followed the protocols set by health professionals.