Purpose and Benefits of the New Jersey ISP Program
The Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) aims to reduce the risk of participants re-offending and to offer extensive support for successful re-entry into the community. The program is designed to supervise and support offenders in the community while addressing the underlying issues contributing to their criminal behavior. Budgetary reasons are also a benefit for the state. The program also contributes to reduced recidivism by providing close supervision and monitoring of offenders, which has been shown to reduce the likelihood of reoffending compared to traditional incarceration. By supervising offenders in the community and providing them with support and resources, ISP can reduce the risk of harm to the public. ISP often incorporates restorative justice principles, which focus on repairing the damage caused by the offender’s behavior and promoting accountability. By providing offenders with access to treatment and support services, such as counseling, job training, and substance abuse treatment, the underlying issues that contributed to their criminal behavior are addressed.
By providing an alternative to traditional incarceration, ISP can help reduce prison overcrowding and improve conditions for incarcerated individuals. According to a study conducted by the United States Courts and published in 2019, the annual cost of each offender in the prison system in New Jersey is approximately $19,000, while the cost of an offender in the ISP program is an average of $7,100, some of which is recuperated through fees the participants are ordered to pay or face returning to jail.
The offices of probation and pretrial services can put more resources into the cases that compose the most significant risk and maintain less need for supervision of participants of less risk. The cost of supervision is calculated using several components, such as salary costs of staff, expenditures for community service and operating expenses, and monitoring technologies. Overall, the intensive supervision program offers a more flexible and supportive approach to corrections that can benefit both offenders and society as a whole and is conducive to a lower recidivism rate by its participants.
What Are the Rules For Participants in the ISP Program in New Jersey?
The rules for participants in the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) in NJ can vary depending on the individual’s specific circumstances and the requirements set by their probation officer. However, some general rules apply to most participants in ISP. Participants must meet regularly with their probation officer, usually every week, and provide information about their whereabouts, activities, and compliance with the program’s conditions. Some participants may be required to wear an electronic monitoring device, such as a GPS ankle bracelet, to track their movements and ensure compliance with curfews and other program requirements. This includes restraining orders and fraternization with other offenders.
Participants may be required to adhere to strict curfews and be home during specific hours of the day or night. They may be required to submit to regular drug and alcohol testing and may be required to attend substance abuse treatment programs as a condition of their participation in the program. Depending on their situation, they may be required to attend counseling or other treatment programs, such as anger management, mental health counseling, and parenting classes. Most participants must maintain steady employment, attend school or job training programs, and obey all local, state, and federal laws, not committing any new offenses. It is vital to secure employment as regular payments of fines, fees, and drug testing are required.
Offenses That Allow You to Participate in Intensive Supervision in NJ
The eligibility criteria for an intensive supervision program (ISP) can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific program. Generally speaking, these programs are designed for individuals who have committed non-violent offenses and are deemed low-risk to re-offend. Some common crimes that may be eligible for an ISP option include:
- Drug-related offenses, such as possession or distribution of controlled substances
- Property crimes, such as theft, fraud, or burglary
- White collar crimes, such as embezzlement or insider trading
- Non-violent crimes committed by first-time offenders
- Some eligible violent crimes like aggravated assault
- Eluding a police officer
It’s important to note that eligibility for ISP may also depend on other factors, such as the offender’s criminal history, risk of reoffending, and the availability of resources to support the program. Each application is viewed and determined individually. Additionally, some jurisdictions may have specific eligibility requirements or exclusions for certain offenses.
Which Charges are not Considered for the ISP Program?
The following are the majority of criminal charges that are excluded from the program: First degree crimes such as homicide, robbery, criminal sexual assault, first or second degree crimes involving the use of a firearm, crimes involving death or serious bodily injury, drug court violations, organized crime, some sexual offenses, certain weapons offenses, conspiracy, or a previous first degree crime.
It’s important to note that eligibility for ISP in New Jersey may also depend on other factors, such as the offender’s criminal history, their risk of reoffending, and the availability of resources to support the program. Additionally, the decision to exclude certain offenses from ISP may vary depending on the jurisdiction or the specific program in question. It’s always best to consult with a legal professional who typically handled criminal cases that involve the ISP program for detailed information regarding personal eligibility criteria.
ISP Participation Entry Requirements
If the applicant has served at least six months of their sentence, is within nine months of their parole date, and was convicted of a second degree crime, they are not eligible. Besides the aforementioned criminal charges affecting ineligibility, the following requirements must be met:
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of New Jersey, sentenced to a term of probation or parole, have no history of drug or alcohol abuse, no history of escape or attempted escape from a correctional facility, and no criminal history of violent crimes with a weapon.
While in the program, a person must keep a full-time job. They must obtain gainful employment within 30 days of being released from prison and notify their supervisor regarding their job details. Frequently, parole supervisors will have a list of possible employers willing to hire someone on parole.
As previously mentioned, participants are submitted to random drug and alcohol tests for which they must pay. If the costs are too significant, they can apply to the courts for a reduction by claiming it is a financial hardship. This option is infrequently successful, but partial relief from the approximate $300 monthly cost of drug tests is possible. They must also attend counseling or rehabilitation treatment, do 16 hours of community service a month, keep to a budget, and follow a 6 p.m. curfew (unless their later schedule is work-related). It is prohibited to receive welfare, unemployment, or any government assistance.
Steps in the ISP Application Process
First, a screening committee must review the application packet, which entails reviews, reports, recommendations, and statements from probation officers, victims, prosecutors, police, and parole officers, as well as a completed SIP application filled out by the candidate. An investigator will be assigned to determine if the applicant can continue the process. A vital part of the application is explaining their plan for life outside of jail, such as where and with whom they will reside and which programs they will attend (such as AA or NA). This may involve interviews, evaluations, and risk assessments.
An investigator will be assigned to determine if the applicant can continue the process. By conducting an interview that includes why the candidate wants to participate in the program, what their life plan is upon release, who their sponsor is, and previous criminal history. The investigator will report to a three-person screening board, and if the application is approved, it will go to a re-sentencing panel. The re-sentencing panel will review all of the documents and conduct an interview with the applicant. The affected parties of the actions of the crime are permitted to make a victim-impact statement at this hearing. Most decisions from the board must be two out of three.
We can Help if You are Seeking Admission into the Intensive Supervision Program in Morris County NJ
Applying for ISP is complicated and composed of several steps. It is called intensive for a reason. It requires strict adherence to several regulations, and if not followed, you could quickly be incarcerated again. Our attorneys have the experience needed to keep you out of jail and working in the community and on yourself. If you have a loved one or are applying for the Intensive Supervision Program, let us take the burden off your shoulders. We can meet with you to gather all of the recommendations and reports you need for your application. We will help you apply for the program by working with you to complete the necessary forms. We can request that family or friends provide testimony that will put your application in a positive light. Let us explain the steps you need to know for a successful transition. From our local office in Morristown, we assist clients facing criminal charges of all kinds in Rockaway, Jefferson, Chatham, Boonton, Dover, Parsippany, and neighboring towns in Morris County. Call (908)-336-5008 right away or contact us online for a free legal consultation to discuss your situation and find out how we can assist you.
