Find Hudson County Corrections inmates...

Hudson County Corrections

30-35 Hackensack Avenue
Kearny, NJ 07032
(201) 395-5600

Interview with Hakstiff and Rebecca

JM: How long was your sentencing for?
Hakstiff: (1)3 YEARS W/ 18 MONTH STIPULATION (2)LONG TERM IN-PATIENT DRUG PROGRAM W/ 5 YRS PROBATION
Rebecca: I was in holding for 4 days until I got bailed out.

JM: Did you spend time in a holding cell after your sentencing? If so, what was that like? If you didn't where did they they take you instead?
Hakstiff: COLD, STINK, DANK, EMBARRASSING
Rebecca: I was in a precint holding cell for a couple of hours before I got sent to county jail. The holding cell was freezing cold and smelly. It had a toilet with no toilet paper.

The Hudson County Jail is located in Hackensack, New Jersey and is the only jail facility in the county (which covers Jersey City). Hudson county is the sixth most densely populated county in the United States (in terms of people per square mile) so maintaining law and order is a high priority.

Getting along with other inmates
Getting along with other inmates can be a challenge for people who have never spent time behind bars before. If you don't already know people from the outside you should keep to yourself and learn the ropes before opening your mouth.

There will probably be some inmates coming in and acting like they own the place - figure out when you need to stand up for yourself to avoid getting taken advantage of and when you should just let something go.

There are a wide range of people in HCJ - there are probably some career criminals waiting for a transfer to prison but these people shouldn't be in general population. There are also some people you would consider normal people who just made a bad decision. You will meet quite a few people serving time on DUI's, drug charges or other similar charges. Sex offenders should be separated from general population.

You should never discuss your case or your charges. Many inmates will try to play lawyer and help you or cause problems for you because they think your charges are more or less serious than your own. Just keep to yourself whenever possible.

Passing the time
Many inmates play cards. Gambling is not allowed but is common among the inmates. You won't have cash to gamble with but they often gamble commissary, meals or sometimes clothing. Most fights in Hudson County are a result of gambling; inmates usually stay out of trouble by just playing cards for fun rather than gambling.

Working out isn't easy behind bars. Some inmates will improvise to create weights out of trash bags and water but you aren't technically allowed to do this. You're probably best of just trying to run in place (which isn't very effective).

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