ELIZABETH, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- A New Jersey jail may soon consider shutting down its doors as a way for the government to save money as the inmate population in the jail continues to decrease.
According to a Union County spokesman, officials have met several times with leaders from the local corrections union to discuss the possible closure.
"We are always looking at ways at making County Government more efficient, and one of the steps has involved an examination of the operations of our jail," County Manager Ed Oatman said in a statement. "While nothing has been finalized, we have been in several conversations with the state and other counties on employment opportunities for corrections officers and civilians at the jail if we decide to proceed."
County jails house those who are convicted of lesser offenses or awaiting trial and have seen a decrease in inmate population statewide due to the state's eliminated cash bail which plummeted even more during the pandemic.
It is still not know where Union County inmates would be transferred if the Elizabeth jail closes.





