For someone who has spent time in state prison, being released and readjusting to living in the community as a law-abiding citizen can be extremely difficult. That’s one reason that so many people end up back behind bars.
New Jersey has an Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) that is designed to allow selected people serving time in state prisons to be released under strict supervision and with the agreement that they’ll comply with the requirements of the program. ISP’s goal is not just to prevent people from reoffending, but to help them have a positive adjustment to life outside of prison.
In fact, to be accepted into the ISP, they have to submit a “plan for life in the community.” They will be interviewed and their acceptance decided by an ISP judicial panel.
Among the other requirements are:
- Reporting to an ISP officer
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Either school, job training or employment
- Community service
- Curfews
- No weapons
- Provide family support as needed
- Paying any fines, fees and/or restitution due
The length of the program is at least 12 months (longer if your sentence was greater than five years). If you fail to abide by any of the rules, your time in ISP could be extended. If you are admitted into ISP, you can expect to be in the program for a minimum of 12 months. If your original sentence was for more than five years, or if you break any program rules, you may be in the program longer.
Eligibility for ISP
Not everyone in state prison is eligible for the ISP. Those convicted of a number of crimes are ineligible, such as those convicted of first degree crimes, robbery, sexual offenses, bribery, corrupt influence and misconduct in or abuse of office.
If you’re interested in the program or have already been accepted into it, it’s wise to learn everything you can about it to help ensure that you can succeed and move forward