N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:17-5.18

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 10A:17-5.18 - Initiating religious groups within the correctional facility/unit

(a) An inmate who wishes to organize a religious group that is not already officially recognized in the correctional facility/unit shall submit a written request to the Administrator, which contains the following information:

1. The official name of the religious organization or religion;

2. The names of all correctional facility/unit religious group members known to the inmate;

3. The name, address and affiliation of the person(s) who is to lead the religious service who must be able to comply with the procedures established in N.J.A.C. 10A:17-2;

4. A description of religious beliefs or theology, including religious literature or scripture utilized;

5. A description of ritual practices, including time and manner of conducting religious services;

6. A description of any indicia of religion and religious ritualistic elements;

7. A statement of the group's religious goals and objectives; and

8. A list of the religious holidays, with explanations as to purpose of each.

(b) The Administrator shall, after consultation with the chaplain, the Coordinator, Chaplaincy Services, and the Religious Issues Committee, consider all relevant factors, which shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Safety of inmates and staff;

2. Security and the orderly operation of the correctional facility; and

3. The availability of time and space.

(c) The Administrator shall determine whether the religious group shall be granted official recognition within the correctional facility and shall provide a written notice of the decision to the following:

1. The chaplain;

2. The Coordinator, Chaplaincy Services; and

3. The inmate(s) who submitted the request.

(d) In the event the Administrator denies a request for official recognition of a religious group the inmate may appeal the denial to the Religious Issues Committee.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:17-5.18

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 1459(a), effective 7/18/2016